The National Museum of Roman Art changes the scale of your walk, from buildings to the people, images and objects that gave them meaning. Rafael Moneo's headquarters, inaugurated in 1986, uses contemporary architecture to converse with the Roman town without pretending to be ancient. Study how light and large spaces accompany the exhibits, then choose a mosaic, sculpture or inscription and consider its context. Ask where it came from and what it reveals about belief, work or social representation. The museum is another way to interpret archaeological sites rather than simply a store for missing objects. The extension inaugurated in 2026 continues this living institutional history. Check available galleries and the crypt's particular arrangements before planning your visit.
Sources checked on 21 October 2026. Opening and access may change. The walk does not include admission; allow extra time for interiors. Routes have not been audited for accessibility.
Plan this visit
Read images and names in a mosaic
The Charioteers Mosaic depicts Marcianus and Paulus, identified by inscriptions. Before reading the whole label, look for what separates a figurative scene from its ornamental frame and how lettering complements the image. This exercise connects spectacle with personal memory: a domestic object can also speak about public activities. Avoid assuming that all Roman entertainments took place in the same kind of building.
Choose a visit you can develop
Make this object the focus of your route, then add a sculpture or inscription that relates to it. For mobility needs, the museum documents lift access to floors and crypt, ramps and a platform across the crypt’s roadway. Ask about the specific operating route; this supports practical planning without automatically excluding the crypt.
