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Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia

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Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia Review

The world's most outstanding collection of Etruscan art and artifacts is housed in Villa Giulia, built around 1551 for Pope Julius III (hence its name). Among the team called in to plan and construct the villa were Michelangelo and his fellow Florentine Vasari. Most of the actual work, however, was done by Vignola and Ammannati. The villa's nymphaeum—or sunken sculpture garden—is a superb example of a refined late-Renaissance setting for princely pleasures. No one knows precisely where the Etruscans originated. Many scholars maintain they came from Asia Minor, appearing in Italy about 2000 BC, and creating a civilization that was a dazzling prelude to the ancient Romans. Unfortunately, the exhibitions here are as dry as their subject matter—hundreds of glass vitrines stuffed with objects. Even so, you'll find great artistic treasures. Among the most striking pieces are the terra-cotta statues, such as the Apollo of Veio and the serenely beautiful Sarcophagus of the Wedded Couple. Dating 530-500 BC, this couple, or Sposi, look at the viewer with almond eyes and archaic smiles, suggesting an openness and joie de vivre rare in Roman art. Also look for the cinematic frieze from a later temple (480 BC) from Pyrgi, looking like a sort of Etruscan Elgin marbles in terra-cotta. Note the fabulous Etruscan jewelry, which makes Bulgari look like your village blacksmith.

    Contact Information

  • Address: Piazzale Villa Giulia 9, Villa Borghese, Rome, 00196 | Map It
  • Phone: 06/3226571
  • Cost: €8
  • Hours: Tues.--Sun. 8:30--7:30 (ticket office closes 1 hr earlier)
  • Website: villagiulia.beniculturali.it
  • Metro Tram 19, Bus 3.
  • Location: Villa Borghese
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    Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia Review

    This museum is the Holy Grail for anybody doing Etruscan studies, or interested in Etruscans generally. Outstanding collections. That said, several things to be aware of:

    1. They do not allow ANY photography of the collection, even without flash. Annoyingly, as of May 2012, they ALSO had no Musseum Guide, as they're in the process of revising it. Yay, BUT for anyone doing research this is like seeing water and not being allowed to drink. Either provide a guide or allow photography. In general the gift shop didn't impress me. Few offerings not in Italian.

    2. Once you enter, there is no exit until you're done, without backtracking. Also no cafe, and no restaurants near, so don't expect to get lunch; eat before you go. If you are obsessive about Etruscans like me, expect to spend c.2 hours in the museum.

    3. Large placards have English, but itemized ones require Italian. Likewise, most of the staff there on our visit spoke minimal English. Seems like a museum more designed for Italians and Italian school kids Ghana for outside visitors. On the upside, it was virtually empty, so no competing with crowds.

    SUMMARY: collection is OUTSTANDING. But amenities, especially for anyone looking to do research? Not so much.

    by Jeanne_Reames, 5/30/12

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