Museo Pio Clementino is a museum located in Vatican City that houses one of the largest and most important collections of classical sculpture in the world. The museum was established in the 18th century by Pope Clement XIV, who sought to preserve the extensive collection of classical works acquired by the Vatican over the centuries. The museum is named after Pope Pius VI, who was a great patron of the arts and oversaw the expansion of the museum's collection during his papacy. Today, the museum contains over 1,400 ancient sculptures, ranging from the Greek and Roman periods to the early Christian era.

The collection at Pio Clementino Museum is arranged chronologically and thematically, with each room showcasing a different period or style of art. Some of the highlights of the collection include the famous Laocoön and His Sons, a Hellenistic sculpture depicting the Trojan priest Laocoön and his two sons being attacked by sea serpents, and the Belvedere Apollo, a Roman copy of a Greek original depicting the god Apollo.

In addition to the classical sculptures, the museum also contains a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman coins, medals, and gems, as well as a large number of Egyptian and Etruscan artefacts. The museum's holdings are so extensive that it has been compared to the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London. Visitors to the Pio Clementino Museum can take a guided tour or explore the museum on their own. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and there are also multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits throughout the museum.

Explore Pio Clementino Museum

The museum is divided into various sections, each with its unique collection of exhibits that reflect the history and cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome. Here are some of the notable sections of the Pio Clementino Museum.

Cabinet of the Apoxyomenos

The Square Vestibule and Cabinet of the Apoxyomenos are two adjacent rooms located at the entrance of the Pio Clementino Museum. The Square Vestibule is adorned with exquisite ancient Roman sculptures, while the Cabinet of the Apoxyomenos is home to a famous Hellenistic sculpture, the Apoxyomenos. This sculpture, which depicts an athlete scraping oil from his body after a game, is one of the most important works of art in the museum's collection.

Also Checkout: Room of the Chiaroscuri

Octagon Courtyard

The Octagon Courtyard is a large open-air space that houses a variety of classical sculptures, including several ancient Roman copies of famous Greek originals. The courtyard's most famous sculpture is the colossal statue of Hercules, which stands at almost 4 meters tall and was originally part of a Roman bath complex.

Must Visit: Gallery of Maps

Hall of Animals

The Hall of Animals is a large room dedicated to the display of ancient sculptures of animals, both real and mythical. The collection includes depictions of lions, bears, bulls, and other creatures, as well as fantastical beasts such as griffins and centaurs.

Also Read: Lapidary Gallery

Gallery of Statues and Hall of Busts

The Gallery of Statues and Hall of Busts are two connected rooms that house some of the museum's most impressive sculptures. The Gallery of Statues is lined with Roman copies of famous Greek originals, including the celebrated Venus de' Medici. The Hall of Busts, on the other hand, is filled with busts of famous Roman emperors, philosophers, and other historical figures.

Must Explore: Chiaramonti Museum

Cabinet of Masks

The Cabinet of Masks is a small room located off the Gallery of Statues, which takes its name from the many masks that adorn its walls. The room houses several ancient sculptures, including a famous Roman copy of the Greek sculpture, the Discobolus.

Suggested Read: Gregorian Etruscan Museum

Hall of the Muses

The Hall of the Muses is a long room dedicated to the nine muses of Greek mythology. The room is decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting the muses and is filled with sculptures of the muses and other figures from Greek mythology.

Must Read: Room of the Immaculate Conception

Rotunda Room

The Rotunda Room is a circular room with a dome-shaped ceiling that is decorated with stunning frescoes. The room houses several large sculptures, including the celebrated Belvedere Torso, which is considered one of the most important ancient sculptures in existence.

Suggested Read: Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding

Greek Cross Room

The Greek Cross Room is a small room with a unique cross-shaped layout. The room is decorated with elaborate frescoes and houses several ancient sculptures, including a statue of the Greek god Apollo.

Also Checkout: Raphael Rooms

Sala della Biga

The Sala della Biga is a large room decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting scenes from ancient Roman life. The room takes its name from the central sculpture, a Roman chariot known as a biga, which is pulled by two horses.

Must Visit: Chapel of St. Peter Martyr

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FAQs Of Museo Pio Clementino

Is it recommended to book vatican museums tickets in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book Vatican Museums tickets in advance. The museums attract large crowds, and booking ahead allows you to skip long queues and save time.

What is Museo Pio Clementino?

Museo Pio Clementino is a museum located within the Vatican Museums, Rome. It is known for its impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and artwork.

What can visitors see at Museo Pio Clementino?

Visitors to Pio Clementino Museum can see a wide variety of sculptures, including the famous Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön and His Sons. They can also see ancient Roman and Greek pottery, tapestries, and other decorative arts.

Must Checkout: Things to See at Vatican Museums

What is the history of Museo Pio Clementino?

The museum was founded in the 18th century by Pope Clement XIV and was named in his honour. The collection was expanded by subsequent popes, including Pius VI and Pius VII, who added numerous ancient sculptures and artefacts to the collection.

Suggested Read: History of Vatican City

Are there any guided tours available at Museo Pio Clementino?

Yes, guided tours are available at Pio Clementino Museum. Visitors can choose to take a guided tour with a professional guide or audio guide, which provides a detailed explanation of the artworks on display and the history of the museum.

What are the most famous sculptures on display at Museo Pio Clementino?

The most famous sculptures on display at Museo Pio Clementino include the Apollo Belvedere, the Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, the Nile River God statue, and the Sleeping Ariadne. These sculptures are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Greek and Roman art in the world.

Also Checkout: Collections in Vatican Museums