Gladiator Museum

The Basics

Just a short distance away from where these fierce warriors used to stage battles, the Gladiator Museum displays more than 500 helmets, cuirasses, and weapons. Learn about how armor and weaponry evolved between the seventh century BC and the fourth century, the influences from across the globe that molded their styles, and the techniques and technologies that went into creating each piece. The museum’s lower level connects to the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian—look for the gladiator prison.

To save time at the entrance, buy your ticket online in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Gladiator Museum is a must-do for ancient history buffs, fans of gladiator lore, and travelers who have just toured the nearby Colosseum.

• Photography is allowed throughout the museum.

• The museum isn’t wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Located on Piazza Navona in the historic center of Rome, the Gladiator Museum is easily reached via one of the many buses that stop on Largo di Torre Argentina, a short walk away.

When to Get There

Open all day, every day, the museum is a nice respite from the heat and crowds of Piazza Navona during the summer.

Piazza Navona

Don’t miss the sumptuous oval “square” known for its baroque masterpieces, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, and Palazzo Pamphilj. Ringed by lively outdoor cafés and thick with street performers day and night, Piazza Navona is one of the city’s most beautiful and vibrant public spaces.

Ways to explore

The Gladiator Museum is free to visit, and you can expect to spend around 30 minutes browsing the displays of armor and weaponry. No ticket is required, just visit the upstairs gift shop and head down a flight of stairs into the basement. If you’d like to donate, bring small change to deposit in the donation box upon exiting. The compact museum is situated near a long list of top sites, including Piazza Navona’s Palazzo Pamphilj and the Baroque Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, making it easy to visit while sightseeing.

Accessibility

With entry by stairs only, the Gladiator Museum is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

No

What to pack

Cell phone, change for donation

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for exploring Rome on foot

Not allowed

There’s no wading in Roman fountains, including the nearby, Bernini-designed Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana delle Quattro Fiumi).

Amenities

Souvenirs, figurines

Address

The Gladiator Museum is located on the eastern side of Piazza Navona, near the Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Driving

Congested streets and limited parking mean that most visitors don’t drive around Rome, but there are several nearby lots, including one on Via di Pallacorda.

Public transportation

The bus is generally the easiest way to reach Piazza Navona using public transit—lines 30, 70, 81, 87, 492, and 628 stop on nearby Corso del Rinascimento. The Piazza Venezia tram station (line 8) is a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Quiet, earlier mornings and the bustle of late afternoon are the best times to visit Piazza Navona and the surrounding area

Best days to visit

The Gladiator Museum is open daily and is least crowded on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make May and September beautiful times to visit Rome.

Special events

The adjacent Piazza Navona is known for its vibrant Christmas market and holiday-season celebrations, featuring a decorated Christmas tree.