A treasure chest of Roman art steps from Termini

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of the homes of the National Roman Museum, and it holds one of the most extraordinary collections of ancient art in the world. It sits just steps from Termini station, beside the Baths of Diocletian, and brings together sculptures, frescoes, mosaics and coins that tell two thousand years of Roman history.

Despite the staggering richness of its collections, Palazzo Massimo is still one of Rome's least crowded gems: here you can take your time with masterpieces that would mean hours in line elsewhere. For lovers of ancient art, it's an unmissable stop.

The four homes of the National Roman Museum

Palazzo Massimo is one of the four homes of the National Roman Museum, alongside Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian and the Crypta Balbi. A single ticket, valid for several days, lets you visit them all — but if you only have time for one, Palazzo Massimo holds the most famous masterpieces.

The masterpieces you can't miss

Among the museum's treasures:

  • The frescoes from the Villa of Livia, with the celebrated "painted garden," among the finest Roman paintings in existence.
  • The Boxer at Rest (the Boxer of the Baths), a bronze masterpiece of Greek sculpture.
  • The Lancellotti Discobolus, a Roman copy of the famous Discobolus of Myron.
  • The Sleeping Hermaphroditus and the bronze Hellenistic Prince.
  • The extraordinary coin collection, tracing the story of ancient money.

You'll find the full rundown in our guide: what to see at Palazzo Massimo.

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The frescoes: a collection unlike any other in the world

What makes Palazzo Massimo truly special is the second floor, devoted to frescoes and mosaics detached from Roman villas. Here you'll find the garden room from the Villa of Livia and the decorated spaces of the ancient Villa della Farnesina: a journey through the colors and refinement of elite Roman homes — rare and precious, because so few ancient paintings have survived this well.

How much time you need

A complete visit takes about 1,5–2 ore. The museum spreads across several floors: the ground floor and first floor for sculpture, the second for frescoes and mosaics, the lower level for the coin collection. It's perfect to pair with the other homes of the National Roman Museum or with a stop near Termini.

Frequently asked questions

What is Palazzo Massimo alle Terme? It's one of the four homes of the National Roman Museum, near Termini station, with one of the world's most important collections of ancient art: sculptures, frescoes, mosaics and coins.

What makes Palazzo Massimo special? Its frescoes and mosaics detached from Roman villas — like the painted garden from the Villa of Livia — and sculptural masterpieces such as the Boxer at Rest. It's also blissfully uncrowded.

Is Palazzo Massimo part of the National Roman Museum? Yes, it's one of the four homes (with Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian and the Crypta Balbi). A single ticket, valid for several days, covers them all.

How much time do I need for the visit? About 1,5–2 ore. The museum spreads across several floors, between sculpture, frescoes, mosaics and the coin collection.

Is Palazzo Massimo worth visiting? Absolutely: it's one of the world's most important museums of ancient art, with one-of-a-kind masterpieces and far fewer crowds than the big sites in the center.

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Article #322 · Category: Monuments · Updated: May 2026