The museum of everyday Rome

In the heart of Trastevere, overlooking the intimate Piazza Sant'Egidio, sits a charming museum well off the beaten path: the Museo di Roma in Trastevere. Unlike the archaeological museums or the great galleries, it tells the story of everyday Rome: the customs and traditions, the trades, the festivals, the daily life of the city across the 19th and 20th centuries. It's the perfect place to discover the true soul of Rome through watercolours, photographs, reconstructions and scenes of local life.

What it's about

Housed in a former Carmelite convent, the museum is devoted to Roman traditions and folklore. Among its themes:

  • The customs and traditions of the Roman people, shown in scenes and reconstructions.
  • The famous watercolours of "Roma sparita" (Vanished Rome) by Ettore Roesler Franz.
  • Historic photographs and records of a city in transformation.
  • Temporary shows, often dedicated to photography.

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The treasure: the watercolours of Vanished Rome

The heart of the museum lies in the wonderful watercolours by Ettore Roesler Franz dedicated to "Roma sparita" (Vanished Rome): views of the city before the great transformations of the late 19th century, capturing corners, alleys and glimpses that have since disappeared. They're a precious, poetic time machine. We've devoted a deeper look to them: the watercolours of Vanished Rome.

What to see and practical info

For the full route, see what to see at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere. For opening hours and tickets (it's part of the Civic Museums), see tickets and hours. To get there, check how to get there.

In the heart of Trastevere

The museum pairs perfectly with a stroll through Rome's most characteristic neighbourhood: see the guide to Trastevere and to nearby Villa Farnesina.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Museo di Roma in Trastevere? A museum dedicated to everyday Rome, to folklore and to the daily life of the city across the 19th and 20th centuries, in Piazza Sant'Egidio in Trastevere. It's famous for the watercolours of "Roma sparita" (Vanished Rome).

Is it different from the Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi? Yes: Palazzo Braschi tells the "high" history and art of the city; the Museo di Roma in Trastevere is devoted to folklore, customs and traditions, and popular life.

What are the watercolours of "Roma sparita"? The views by Ettore Roesler Franz that portray corners of Rome lost to the transformations of the late 19th century: the museum's treasure.

Where is it located? In Piazza Sant'Egidio, in the heart of Trastevere, in a former Carmelite convent.

Is it worth it? Yes, for anyone who wants to discover authentic, everyday Rome away from the big museums: small, poetic and captivating.

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Article #589 · Category: Museums · Updated: May 2026