Antiquarium del Palatino (Palatine Museum), Rome

The Palatine Museum, also known as the Antiquarium del Palatino, is a museum situated on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Established in the latter half of the 19th century, it serves as a repository for sculptures, fragments of frescoes, and archaeological artifacts unearthed on the hill.

The first iteration of the Palatine Museum was established by Pietro Rosa in the late 19th century. It was located on the ground floor of the Farnese building on the Palatine Hill and housed sculptures discovered during excavations on the hill, which took place during the reign of Napoleon III. However, in 1882, Rodolfo Lanciani demolished the Farnese building in order to create a connection between the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. During this time, Gherardo Ghirardini cataloged the museum's holdings and transferred them to the Museum of the Baths of Diocletian, which later became the National Roman Museum in 1889.

In the 1930s, Alfonso Bartoli, an archaeologist and the director of excavations on the Palatine Hill, initiated the creation of a new site for the museum. Using the remaining parts of the demolished Villa Mills, a new building was constructed. The museum building consists of two floors, with each floor housing four rooms. The ground floor is dedicated to the history of the Palatine Hill from its origins to the Republican era, showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to that period. On the other hand, the first floor is dedicated to works and artifacts from the imperial era, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of ancient Rome.

Today, the Palatine Museum continues to provide visitors with insights into the rich archaeological history of the Palatine Hill. It allows visitors to explore the origins of the hill and its significance in the Republican and imperial eras, providing a valuable resource for studying and understanding the history of ancient Rome.