Rome's great exhibition venue

Overlooking Piazza del Quirinale, directly across from the presidential palace, the Scuderie del Quirinale (the former papal stables, now an exhibition venue) rank among the most prestigious exhibition spaces in Italy. Carved out of the 18th-century papal stables, since 1999 they have hosted major temporary exhibitions devoted to the great masters of every era, from Renaissance giants to the artists of the 20th century. There's no permanent collection: their strength lies in blockbuster shows that draw visitors from across Italy.

From papal stables to museum

The building went up in the early 18th century as the stables of the neighboring papal palace on the Quirinal, designed by architects such as Alessandro Specchi and Ferdinando Fuga. After centuries of other uses, in the late 20th century it was masterfully restored and converted into an exhibition venue, gaining its celebrated panoramic glass staircase that looks out over the city. A textbook example of adaptive reuse of a historic building.

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What to see

  • The major temporary exhibitions spread across the two exhibition floors.
  • The glass staircase with its panoramic view over Rome.
  • The restored interiors of the former papal stables.
  • The outlook over Piazza del Quirinale and the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux).

We go deeper in our guide to what to see at the Scuderie del Quirinale and in the article on the history of the papal stables.

Exhibitions, tickets and how to get there

You visit the Scuderie when an exhibition is on, with a dedicated ticket. For hours and practical info, see the guide Scuderie del Quirinale: exhibitions and tickets. To plan your trip, check how to get to the Scuderie del Quirinale.

Just steps from the Quirinal

The Scuderie sit on the same square as the Quirinal Palace and a stone's throw from the Trevi Fountain, pairing perfectly with a visit to the hill and the city center. See our guide to the Quirinal Palace.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Scuderie del Quirinale? One of Italy's leading exhibition venues, on Piazza del Quirinale, created from the 18th-century papal stables. They host major temporary exhibitions and have no permanent collection.

What kind of exhibitions do they host? Blockbuster shows devoted to the masters of art across every era, from the Renaissance to the 20th century, often with international loans.

Is there a permanent collection? No: the strength of the Scuderie lies in their temporary exhibitions. You visit them whenever a show is on.

What's special about the building? The panoramic glass staircase with its view over Rome and the restored interiors of the former papal stables, a model of adaptive reuse.

Where are they located? On Piazza del Quirinale, across from the presidential palace, just steps from the Trevi Fountain.

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Article #544 · Category: Museums · Updated: May 2026