April 25 in Rome: museums open with free admission — practical guide

April 25 in Rome: museums open with free admission

On Liberation Day, Saturday 25 April 2026, numerous museums, archaeological parks and exhibition spaces in Rome will be open to the public with free admission. Below is a practical overview to help you plan visits, exhibitions and family activities.

Municipal museums of Rome

• Musei Capitolini: open, featuring collections from ancient Rome to the Renaissance.
• Markets of Trajan – Museum of the Imperial Forums: archaeological route in the heart of the Forums, free entry on April 25.
• Ara Pacis: home of the Augustan altar on the Lungotevere, open to visitors.
• Montemartini: a unique museum combining archaeology and industrial archaeology, open.
• Museo di Roma and Museo di Roma in Trastevere: both open, focused on the city's history and daily life.
• Galleria d’Arte Moderna: recommended for Italian art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Villa Torlonia museums and Pietro Canonica Museum: historic complexes and house-museums open to visitors.

State archaeological sites

• Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: open with free admission on April 25; expect large crowds.
• Ostia Antica Archaeological Park: visit one of the best-preserved Roman towns.
• Appian Way Park and Baths of Caracalla: monumental areas open for exploration.

National museums and major institutions

• National Roman Museum: sites open with important archaeological finds.
• Galleria Borghese: masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Advance booking required, check available time slots.
• Palazzo Barberini, Galleria Corsini and National Gallery of Modern Art: confirmed openings.
• Villa Giulia Etruscan Museum and Museum of Civilizations: accessible for in-depth cultural visits.

Other cultural venues and contemporary art

• Pantheon and complexes such as Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia: museum spaces and panoramic terraces open.
• MAXXI, MACRO, Mattatoio and Palazzo delle Esposizioni: major hubs for contemporary art exhibitions.
• Vatican Museums: open but may require reservations or have controlled access.

Temporary exhibitions and special routes

• Van Gogh (Palazzo Bonaparte): exhibition open during the day.
• The World of Banksy: immersive exhibition on street art.
• Real Bodies – Leonardo and Butterfly House: thematic and educational routes open to visitors.

Family-friendly activities

• Bioparco: historic zoo in Villa Borghese, open — check hours and access rules.
• Explora: interactive children’s museum, open for labs and activities.
• Technotown: science and technology space, open on April 25.

Practical tips

Bookings: some venues (for example Galleria Borghese and Vatican Museums) require advance booking or timed entry: always verify details on official websites before you go.

Crowds: April 25 is a high-traffic day; arrive early and plan your route to minimize waiting times.

Timings: check the updated opening hours and any last-minute changes on the museums' official channels.

Enjoy your visit: take advantage of April 25 to explore exhibitions, permanent collections and Rome's rich exhibition scene.