Museum of Rome - Palazzo Braschi

The Museum of Rome, housed inside the majestic Palazzo Braschi, is an institution that celebrates the history, culture, and art of the eternal city, from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century. Located in the heart of Rome, between Piazza Navona and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the palace is a splendid example of neoclassical architecture, designed by the architect Cosimo Morelli and completed in 1804. This historic building, commissioned by Luigi Braschi Onesti, nephew of Pope Pius VI, represents the last great palace built in Rome by a papal family. The palace stands on the site of the ancient Palazzo Orsini, which was demolished in 1791 to make way for the new construction. The imposing brick and travertine facade, with its high rusticated base, gives the palace a majestic and solemn appearance. Inside, the atrium welcomes visitors with the monumental helical staircase designed by Giuseppe Valadier, a masterpiece of architectural elegance that leads to the upper floors. The rooms of the Museum of Rome are richly decorated with frescoes and stuccoes that reflect the opulence of the Braschi family. These rooms house a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and textiles that document the social, cultural, and artistic life of Rome in centuries past. Among the most significant works are paintings depicting views of Rome and scenes of daily life, as well as portraits of prominent historical figures. One of the highlights of the collection is the statue of Neptune, a Roman copy from the 2nd century AD of a Greek original, which was once housed in the Vatican and Capitolini Museums. The statue, placed at the foot of the monumental staircase, is an extraordinary example of ancient sculpture and represents a symbol of the power and grandeur of Rome. The second floor of the museum is dedicated to the public and official aspects of Rome’s history, with a wide range of sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs. This collection offers a vivid chronicle of Rome’s transformation from a provincial town to a cosmopolitan metropolis. Among the works on display are paintings depicting significant historical events, social scenes, and prominent figures that have shaped the city’s history. A particularly fascinating section of the museum is dedicated to costumes and fashion, offering a glimpse of the stylistic evolutions and social norms of Rome. The collection includes clothing and accessories that illustrate the richness and variety of Roman costume through the centuries, reflecting the influence of European fashions and the creativity of local artisans. The third floor of the museum offers a spectacular view of Piazza Navona and houses five rooms dedicated to the urban evolution of Rome. Among these, the Nemi Room is particularly notable for its landscape frescoes that combine the perspective illusionism of the 16th century with the classicist landscapes of the 17th century. This space, originally designed to surprise and fascinate the palace’s guests, represents an extraordinary example of Roman baroque decoration. Over the years, Palazzo Braschi has undergone various transformations and has housed different institutions. During the fascist period, it was the headquarters of the Fascist Federation of Rome, and after World War II, it was used as a shelter for homeless families, causing serious damage to the frescoes and floors. Only in 1952, after extensive restoration, the palace was transformed into the Museum of Rome, becoming one of the city’s main cultural attractions.