Rome’s First Sunday: A Monthly Cultural Celebration
Rome, February 2, 2026 – The first Sunday of each month in the Eternal City has become a cherished tradition, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in art, history, and archaeology. February 1st marks the next occasion for this special event, where numerous civic museums, archaeological sites, and cultural venues across Rome will open their doors to the public free of charge, providing an extraordinary journey through centuries of history, art, and creativity.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Rome Capitale Museum System, allows both citizens and visitors to explore not only the extensive permanent collections but also a rich calendar of temporary exhibitions.
Palazzo Senatorio: Guided Tours in the Heart of the Capitoline
Among the most captivating experiences available on this day are the guided tours of Palazzo Senatorio, the historic seat of the Municipality of Rome. Accompanied by expert guides, visitors will traverse areas typically inaccessible to the public, tracing the fundamental stages of the city’s political and urban development.
The itinerary commences at the monumental entrance near the Capitoline Wolf, incorporates valuable archaeological remains, and culminates with a panoramic exit onto the renowned Renaissance stairs. Participation in these tours is free, though advance booking is mandatory.
Archaeological Areas Open for Free Exploration
February 1st also presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover some of ancient Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Among the freely accessible sites are:
- The Sacred Area of Largo Argentina, famous for its Republican-era temples
- The Circus Maximus, one of antiquity’s largest monumental spaces
- The Imperial Forums, with access from Trajan’s Column
- The Museum of Forma Urbis, nestled within the Archaeological Park of Celio
This offers a perfect blend of urban exploration and historical discovery.
Civic Museums to Visit Without a Ticket
Complimentary admission extends to many of Rome’s most beloved museums, including:
- The Capitoline Museums, custodians of iconic masterpieces
- The Museum of Ara Pacis, dedicated to the Augustan Age
- The Centrale Montemartini, where archaeology and industry converge
- The Museum of Rome in Trastevere
- The National Gallery of Modern Art
- The Markets of Trajan – Museum of the Imperial Forums
In addition, the museums of Villa Torlonia, the Civic Museum of Zoology, and numerous other venues throughout the city will also participate.
Temporary Exhibitions: A Wealth of Cultural Offerings
The free access also encompasses temporary exhibitions, featuring a diverse range of themes from archaeology to contemporary art. Topics covered include ancient civilizations, artistic experimentation, photography, urban history, cinema, and cultural identity.
Some exhibitions commemorate significant anniversaries, while others offer fresh perspectives on rarely displayed collections, making this Sunday a true concentration of accessible culture.
Always Free Museums: What Remains Open
Beyond the venues participating in this monthly initiative, several municipal museums that offer free access year-round will also be regularly open. These include the Barracco Museum, the Napoleonic Museum, the Museum of the Walls, and the Villa of Maxentius.
Useful Information for Visitors
For details regarding opening hours, access procedures, any limitations, and updates, visitors are encouraged to consult the official website museiincomuneroma.it and the institutional channels dedicated to the city’s culture.
Source: https://www.lacapitale.it/articolo/musei-gratis-la-prima-domenica-di-febbraio-cosa-vedere-il-1-febbraio
