Ara Pacis Museum (Museo dell'Ara Pacis)

The Basics

No matter the controversy, there is no disputing the magnificence of its star exhibit—the Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. Commissioned by Emperor Augustus to symbolize peace in the Roman Empire, the elaborate Carrara marble sculpture dates to 9 BC and stands 35 feet (11 meters) high. Preserved and displayed in its full glory, the original structure is augmented by reproductions of the panels on display in the Villa Medici, Vatican, and the Louvre.

Travelers may enjoy Ara Pacis Museum as part of a half-day, full-day, private or group, walking or with a fun mode of transport (Segway, hop-on hop-off river cruise, electric bicycle) and focusing on various themes like following in the ancient footsteps of Caesar, Augustus, and Nero, visiting thexa0 Imperial Forum, the Pantheon, and the Theater of Pompey—or going in the opposite direction to see Rome’s striking and always controversial modern architecture by Zaha Hadid and Renzo Piano.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for history buffs and art lovers of all ages.
• Admission fee is about US$12 for adults.
• Passersby may see the Ara Pacis monument through the exterior glass walls.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Ara Pacis Museum is located next to Piazza Augusto Imperatore along the Tiber River, in central Rome. Take a taxi, drive or take one of many buses (#70, #81, #117, #119, #186, #626) that stops nearby. The museum is easy walking distance from many sites including the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna and the Egyptian obelisk at Piazza del Popolo.

When to Get There

Ara Pacis Museum Tuesday - Sunday, 9am - 7pm. Come before the sun starts to set so that the monument is still bathed in natural light. Avoid Rome’s dense tourist throngs by traveling during the pleasant shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Even better for avoiding crowds is the winter, though temperatures can dip to freezing.

Peace and Sacrifice

Inspired by the victorious battles of Emperor Augustus in Hispania and Gaul, the altar was built and used to sacrifice one ram and two oxen each year to honor Pax, the goddess of peace. Originally standing by the river's edge at Campus Martius, the structure became submerged in mud over time, where it remained for more than 1,000 years. Some remains were found in the 16th century, with its total reconstruction not beginning untilxa01938.

Ways to explore

You can experience the Ara Pacis Museum independently or on a range of tours. Private guides may incorporate the altar into an in-depth exploration of ancient Rome, as well as revealing the meaning of the glorious reliefs. From the opposite end of the spectrum, modern architecture tours set Richard Meier’s redesigned museum alongside other controversial works by Zaha Hadid and Renzo Piano. The building looks particularly striking after dark, so consider a night tour if the architecture, not the altar, is your focus.

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with tactile aids for visitors with visual impairments.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen and water in summer

What to wear

Practical shoes

Not allowed

Pets are a no-no, except for small dogs in carriers.

Amenities

Restrooms, cloakroom, bookshop

Address

The Ara Pacis Museum sits in front of Augustus’ mausoleum on the east bank of the Tiber in Rome’s historic center, about 0.5 miles (800 meters) north of Piazza Navona.

Driving

With strict restrictions on who can enter the historic center, plus a generally anarchic approach to driving and parking, Rome is no place for casual driving. Walk, take public transportation, organize a rideshare, jump in a taxi, or join a tour.

Public transportation

The Ara Pacis Museum is within easy walking distance of many key Roman sights, including the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, and Piazza Navona. The nearest metro station, Spagna (line A), is about a 15-minute walk.

Best times to visit

The museum is generally open from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Come before the sun sets so that the monument is bathed in natural light.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed on Mondays and busiest on weekends. Visit midweek for a quieter experience, particularly in summer.

Best months to visit

The museum is climate-controlled to preserve the monument, making it a great way to beat the summer heat.