Rome's Notte dei Musei is part of the European Night of Museums, and it's one of the most enjoyable evenings of the Roman year: museums, courtyards and galleries open late, with live music and a crowd of locals as well as visitors.
How it works
- It takes place on a Saturday in May. In 2026 it was on 23 May.
- Museums open from about 20:00 to 02:00, with last entry around 01:00.
- Rome's civic museums charge a symbolic €1. Many state museums join in with free or reduced entry.
- Concerts, readings and performances take place inside the museums and in the piazzas outside.
What's usually open
The list changes every year, but it typically includes the Capitoline Museums, the Ara Pacis, the Museum of the Imperial Forums at Trajan's Markets, Centrale Montemartini, the Museo di Roma, the museums of Villa Torlonia, and many state museums and archaeological sites. Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli have opened specially in recent years too.
Tips
- Choose two or three museums close to each other rather than crossing the city.
- Start early or late. Queues peak between 21:00 and 23:00.
- The Capitoline Museums at night, with the lit-up Forum below the terrace, are unforgettable.
- Check the official programme a week or two before. Some venues need a reservation.
Visiting in May? Ask us when you book and we'll tell you the date and highlights for your year.
Quick answers
When is the Night of the Museums in Rome?
It is held on a Saturday in May as part of the European Night of Museums. In 2026 it was on 23 May, from 20:00 to 02:00.
How much does it cost?
Rome's civic museums charge a symbolic €1 and many state museums are free or reduced that night.