Museum/arts/culture
The Ara Pacis Augustae - an intricately carved marble altar commissioned by Emperor Augustus to mark the peace of the early empire - is displayed inside a striking modern glass hall designed by American architect Richard Meier, completed in 2006. The pairing of ancient relief carving with contemporary architecture divided opinion when it opened but has become one of central Rome's more distinctive museum experiences. A 4.5 rating and maximum culture and must-see scores reflect its status as both an important ancient monument and a well-executed modern presentation, and the museum regularly supplements the altar with temporary exhibitions on painting and design. Its riverside location near Piazza del Popolo makes it an easy add-on to a walking day in the historic center.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
1h15
🕰️ Best time
morning, lunchtime, afternoon, early evening or evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Moderate walking
What people say
"Museo dell’Ara Pacis wraps three Romes around a single marble altar. Inside the glass hall, the Ara Pacis Augustae sits on its podium, precinct walls carved with myth panels, imperial family processions and dense vine scrolls that once advertised Augustus’ “peace” and prosperity. Labels and models remind you it once stood out on the Campus Martius, aligned with his mausoleum and an obelisk used as a giant sundial. The current enclosure is Richard Meier’s white-and-travertine pavilion from 2006, all big panes and north light, replacing Mussolini’s 1930s box that first rehoused the altar. Alongside the main hall, temporary exhibitions and evening projections turn a state altar from 9 BCE into a working city museum on the lungotevere."
— Loo Yeo
