Rome is beautiful by day, but it becomes truly magical at night. And being able to visit your favorite museum after hours, in an atmosphere that feels like a celebration, is a rare experience.
Every year in May, many of Rome’s museums open their doors for special nighttime events. This is the Night of the Museums, taking place on May 23rd across Europe.
Museums will be exceptionally open from 8 PM to 2 AM (last entry at 1AM), and admission will cost just €1. There will also be performances, concerts and plays throughout the night in each museum.
The list of events is extensive, so we’ve hand-picked some of our favorites:
The image below is from last year’s concert, held in the same location. On that occasion, it featured a classical music performance.
Capitoline Museums
The oldest museum in the world (its collection started in 1471!), the Capitoline Museums are worth visiting at any time, but at night, they become even more special.
One of the highlights of the evening is “Sticky Bones – Dust & Spirit: Songs from the Race Record Era”, where the ensemble Sticky Bones will perform jazz music inspired by 1920s–30s America, set against the stunning backdrop of the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius.
The photo above is from last year’s concert, held in the same location. On that occasion, it featured a classical music performance.
Trajan’s markets
Often considered the world’s first shopping mall (with five floors and around 150 shops), Trajan’s Markets, built between 113 and 118 AD, will host a series of theatrical performances titled “Secret Trajan”.
These performances are inspired by historical figures from the time of Emperor Trajan. One notable story is that of Plotina, Trajan’s wife, who is said to have concealed her husband’s death for several days while ensuring that Hadrian was officially recognized as his successor.
Caracalla’s Baths Underground
During the Night of the Museums, you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore the underground areas of the Baths of Caracalla, an enormous complex that could accommodate up to 1500 people at once!
Beneath the baths, you can discover the service corridors and rooms, as well as the fascinating Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of Mithraism.
You’ll also be able to explore the above-ground sections, including the gymnasiums, changing rooms, and the cold bath area.
Diocletian Baths under the moonlight
Even larger than Caracalla’s Baths are the Baths of Diocletian, which could host up to 3000 people at the same time, twice the capacity!
Located directly opposite Termini Station (which actually takes its name from these thermal baths), this vast complex is definitely worth a visit, especially in the unique atmosphere of the night.
These are just a few of the many exciting things to see and do in Rome during the Night of the Museums.
For the full list of events, check the links below (there are two separate lists):
(The website is only available in Italian. When you see “Tutte le regioni,” click on it and select “Lazio” to filter events in Rome.)
Want to discover more of Rome at night?
Take a look at our small-group night tours. On these tours you explore Rome’s iconic sights and lots of unexpected wonders you might miss otherwise, all seen and felt in a different light.
Our tours are not packed, not rushed, and not stuck in tourist spots — because this is how we’d show Rome to a close friend. You can learn more about how our Rome tours work, the best Rome tours or browse all our small-group walking tours to see the experiences currently available.
