A Dive into Working-Class Rome

A visit to the Museo di Roma in Trastevere (Museum of Rome in Trastevere) is a journey into old Rome: the city of trades, festivals, narrow lanes, and ordinary people. Far from imperial marble and gallery masterpieces, this is where the city's popular soul comes alive. Here's what not to miss.

Scenes of Daily Life and Local Customs

One wing of the museum is devoted to the customs and traditions of the Roman people: recreated interiors, costumed mannequins, workshops, and scenes of daily life that show what Rome looked like between the 19th and 20th century. These are evocative displays that bring vanished trades and traditions back to life, with a touch of theatre.

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The Watercolours of "Roma Sparita"

The heart of the collection is the celebrated watercolours by Ettore Roesler Franz dedicated to "Roma sparita" ("Vanished Rome"): dozens of views capturing corners, lanes, and glimpses of the city before the great urban transformations of the late 19th century (above all the construction of the Tiber embankment walls). These are works of delicate beauty and immense documentary value. We cover them in depth in our dedicated article: the watercolours of Vanished Rome.

Photography and Exhibitions

The museum also preserves historic photographs documenting a changing Rome, and it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, often high-calibre shows devoted to photography (both Italian and international). It's one of the city's leading venues for photography exhibitions, so it's worth checking what's currently on.

The Building and the Atmosphere

The museum is housed in a former Carmelite convent, complete with a charming cloister: an intimate, welcoming setting in the heart of Trastevere. The visit is short but rich, perfect to pair with a stroll through the neighbourhood.

How to Plan Your Visit

  1. Explore the scenes of daily life and local customs
  2. Admire the watercolours of Vanished Rome
  3. Catch the current temporary exhibition (often photographic)
  4. Linger over the cloister and the building itself
  5. Round it off with a walk through Trastevere

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere? Scenes of daily life and the customs of the Roman people, the celebrated watercolours of "Roma sparita" by Roesler Franz, historic photographs, and temporary exhibitions (often photographic).

What are the scenes of popular life? Recreated interiors, workshops, and trades with costumed mannequins, showing everyday Rome between the 19th and 20th century.

Why are the watercolours of "Roma sparita" so famous? Because they capture corners of Rome that disappeared after the transformations of the late 19th century: a precious, poetic record of the lost city.

Are there photography exhibitions? Yes: the museum is one of the city's main venues for photography exhibitions. Check what's on when you visit.

How much time do I need? Usually 1–1.5 hours: an intimate museum, ideal to combine with a visit to Trastevere.

See Also

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Article #592 · Category: Museums · Updated: May 2026