


Museo della Civiltà Romana
About
The Museo della Civiltà Romana brings ancient Rome to life through incredible scale models and hands-on exhibits that captivate young historians. Children are mesmerized by the massive 1:250 scale model of ancient Rome at its peak, showing every building, temple, and street in stunning detail. The interactive displays make Roman history tangible and exciting, transforming what could be a dry museum visit into an adventure through time.
Highlights
- ✓The enormous 1:250 scale model of ancient Rome covering an entire room, showing the city as it appeared in the 4th century AD
- ✓Detailed reproductions of Trajan's Column and other monuments with explanatory panels kids can actually read up close
- ✓Interactive exhibits demonstrating Roman engineering, including aqueducts and road construction techniques
- ✓Scale models of famous buildings like the Pantheon and Circus Maximus that help children visualize their original grandeur
- ✓Plaster casts of reliefs and sculptures that children can examine closely without museum guards hovering
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit early in the morning on weekdays to avoid school groups that can make the popular scale model rooms crowded and noisy.
- 2.Download photos of key exhibits beforehand as photography is allowed, and let kids hunt for specific models like the Colosseum or Roman Forum to keep them engaged.
- 3.The museum is located in the EUR district, a 20-minute metro ride from central Rome (Line B to EUR Fermi), making it an easy half-day trip when kids need a break from walking ancient ruins.
- 4.Bring a water bottle and snacks as the on-site cafe has limited options, and plan this visit for after you've seen the real Forum and Colosseum so kids can compare.
- 5.English signage is limited, so consider downloading a translation app or picking up the English guidebook at the entrance for 3 euros to help explain exhibits to children.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11am) are ideal when the museum is quietest. Visit during spring or fall when Rome's weather makes the walk around the EUR district pleasant, and schedule this after visiting actual Roman sites so children can connect the models to places they've seen.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable at around 6-8 euros for adults, with children often free or discounted. The museum is currently closed for renovations (check official website for reopening dates), so confirm access before planning your visit.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is currently undergoing extensive renovations and may be closed or partially closed. Always check the official website or call ahead before visiting. When open, it operates year-round with no seasonal closures, though summer can be hot as the EUR district offers little shade for the walk from the metro.
Nearby Eats
The EUR district has family-friendly options including Roadhouse Restaurant (American-style burgers and fries that picky eaters love) and several gelaterias near the metro station. For a quick bite, grab pizza al taglio from local bakeries on Via Cristoforo Colombo.
More Activities Near EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma)
Museo Nazionale dell'Alto Medioevo
The Museo Nazionale dell'Alto Medioevo offers an engaging journey through medieval Italy with artifacts and exhibits designed to be accessible for young learners. Located in Rome's modern EUR district, this budget-friendly museum provides a quieter, less crowded alternative to the city's major attractions while still delivering fascinating insights into knights, ancient tools, jewelry, and everyday life from the Middle Ages.
National Museum of the Middle Ages
The National Museum of the Middle Ages offers an engaging journey through medieval history with hands-on exhibits and artifacts designed to captivate school-age children. Located in Rome's EUR district, this budget-friendly museum brings knights, castles, and medieval life to life through accessible displays that spark young imaginations while teaching real history.
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana
The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, nicknamed the 'Square Colosseum,' is a striking example of Fascist-era architecture that looks like something from a futuristic movie set. Kids will be amazed by the building's 216 identical arches and perfectly symmetrical design, making it an excellent spot for introducing children to architectural concepts while exploring Rome's modern district away from the crowded historic center.
Laghetto dell'EUR
Laghetto dell'EUR offers families a peaceful escape in the heart of Rome's modernist EUR district, where kids can burn energy with pedal boat adventures on the scenic artificial lake while parents enjoy the tree-lined walking paths. The combination of water activities, open green spaces for picnics, and paved paths perfect for bikes and scooters makes this a wonderful low-key outdoor destination between museum visits.