When you are lucky enough to visit Rome, you get the feeling that time spent here is never enough. Every corner is extremely suggestive, whether it is a place of worship of high artistic interest, or the simple streets and characteristic alleys.
With this short guide, we want to propose one among the many magnificent historical-artistic places that you could visit once you reach the capital: the Ara Pacis Museum.
The Ara Pacis Museum in Rome
Among the many things to do in Italy, a stop in Rome, even more than once in a lifetime, is a must. Between one visit and another, the Ara Pacis Museum should not be missing from your itinerary.
Apart from the splendid collection and the many temporary exhibitions, at the moment you will find the main works of Hokusai. It is also the first architectural-urban intervention carried out in the historic center of Rome since Fascism.
Designed by the international architect Richard Meier, it has been built in steel and glass, materials that enhance its triumphal quality. The clear references to the imperial era, in fact, are evident. Just think of the position of the structure, placed at a high level and in full light, which allows you to admire it perfectly thanks to its uniform brightness.
Furthermore, the colour white is a trademark of Meier himself, which lends itself well to the message the Museum wants to communicate.
In the past, the Ara Pacis was incorporated in another structure called “La teca del Morpurgo”, named after the architect who conceived the project.
The Ara Pacis and vandalism episodes
Shortly after the opening, the Ara Pacis Museum was subject to heavy vandalism that aimed to disfigure the architectural structure. Fortunately, it was not too serious, so much so that in a single night the structure was restored.
Indeed, the intent of Richard Meier is not easy to destroy. The architect’s aim was precisely that of imposing himself with a strong energy in the heart of the Roman city, in order to become the nerve center of cultural exchanges.
The whole complex in fact is completed with an underground pedestrian path that connects the museum to the Tiber
How to reach the Ara Pacis Museum
Visiting Italy, especially for an Italian, is a huge privilege. The Ara Pacis Museum is located in Lungotevere in Augusta, at the corner with Via Tomacelli.
To reach the Museum you could use the Metro A stop Piazza di Spagna. From here, take Via Condotti to the end and then continue along Via Tomacelli up to Lungotevere in Augusta.
Or get off at the Piazzale Flaminio stop, then take Via del Corso and turn into Via Tomacelli towards Lungotevere in Augusta. Or from Piazzale Flaminio cross Piazza del Popolo and continue, instead of Via del Corso, on Via di Ripetta.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, while during the holidays and in particular on the 24th and 31st December the opening hours will be morning only (from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm).
Remember that the ticket office closes one hour before the official closure of the structure to allow visitors to visit the rooms in peace.
