Rome's first contemporary building in the historic center

The Ara Pacis Museum, opened in 2006, is far more than a simple shelter: it is the first major work of contemporary architecture built in Rome's historic center in modern times. Designed by American architect Richard Meier, a master of white minimalism, it is a glass-and-travertine case that protects and stages Augustus's ancient altar. A bold dialogue across two thousand years.

Glass, light, and travertine

Meier's design relies on few materials and a great deal of light:

  • Vast glass walls that flood the altar with natural light, bringing out the marble.
  • Surfaces in Roman travertine and white plaster, true to the architect's signature style.
  • A flight of steps and a water wall facing the Tiber.
  • A view, through the glass, of the neighboring Mausoleum of Augustus: two Augustan monuments set in relation.

The idea is that light and transparency "tell" the altar's story better than any wall ever could.

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The controversy

When it first appeared, the building was hotly debated. For some it was a foreign body, "too modern" for the Baroque and Renaissance heart of Rome; for others, a bold statement of contemporary design in a city often frozen in its past. The debate — between those who loved it and those who criticized it — paradoxically turned it into a landmark building, and today it is widely appreciated both as a successful shelter for the altar and as a must-see for lovers of architecture.

Why it's worth the visit (for the architecture, too)

Visiting the Ara Pacis means living two experiences in one:

  • The Roman art of Augustus's altar, with its reliefs.
  • The contemporary architecture of Meier, an example of how the modern can converse with the ancient.

It's an ideal stop for anyone who loves design and architecture as much as Roman history. For the altar itself, see our guide on what to see at the Ara Pacis.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Ara Pacis Museum? American architect Richard Meier, with a building opened in 2006: a glass-and-travertine case that protects Augustus's altar.

Why did the museum spark so much debate? Because it is the first major work of contemporary architecture in Rome's historic center: for some an intruder that was too modern, for others a bold statement of contemporary design. The debate turned it into a landmark building.

What is it made of? Mostly glass, Roman travertine, and white plaster, with vast glass walls that bathe the altar in natural light.

Can you see the Mausoleum of Augustus from the museum? Yes: through the glass walls you can glimpse the neighboring Mausoleum of Augustus, putting the two Augustan monuments in dialogue.

Is it worth it for architecture lovers, too? Yes: the museum is a favorite stop for fans of contemporary architecture, as well as for lovers of Roman art.

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Article #356 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026