Rome Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Museo Leonardo da Vinci)

The Basics

Initially a temporary exhibition, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is now permanently housed adjacent the church on the busy Piazza del Popolo. The museum’s collection includes more than 120 pieces, including life-size machines built from Leonardo’s codices, anatomical studies, and sketches of his most famous Renaissance art, including The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza equestrian sculpture. The museum is a popular stop during Rome city tours, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid a long wait to enter.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Before or after your museum visit, stop inside the adjacent Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo to see its famous Caravaggio paintings.

• The museum has a number of interactive machines and multimedia videos, making this a good option for families traveling with children.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

• Due to its small size, there are no food or beverage stands in the museum, though there are a number of dining options on the square.

How to Get There

The museum is located in Piazza del Popolo, not far from the Spanish Steps. Take tram 2; bus 89, 61, 495, 490, or 117; or metro line A (Flaminio stop).

When to Get There

The museum is a nice respite from the heat of Rome during summer, so plan to visit during the warmest midday hours.

Leonardo da Vinci Museums in Italy

Larger museums dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo are in Milan, Florence, and the artist’s hometown of Vinci, but the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome offers a comprehensive look at his Renaissance works.

Ways to explore

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is a popular stop before or after Rome city tours, so book tickets in advance to avoid a long wait to enter. Set on busy Piazza del Popolo, this collection includes miniature and life-size machines built from Da Vinci’s codices, anatomical studies, and copies of his most famous Renaissance drawings and paintings, including The Last Supper, the Mona Lisa, and the Vitruvian Man. Visitors can also try an immersive VR flight over Florence, where Leonardo spent much of his life.

Accessibility

The museum collection is accessible to wheelchairs, but the VR experience is not.

Age limits

There is no age limit, and the museum’s interactive nature makes it ideal for kids of all ages.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack or portable charger

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers if visiting in spring or fall

Not allowed

Touching displays not designated as interactive, commercial photography

Amenities

Gift shop, audio guides

Address

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is conveniently located in the central Piazza del Popolo, adjacent to the church of the same name. This large circular square is a short walk from several headline sights, including the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese, and is a major hub for public transportation.

Driving

Downtown Rome is challenging to explore by car, especially around Piazza del Popolo, where many parts are pedestrianized. Instead of driving to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, consider walking or taking a city tour that includes transportation.

Public transportation

Piazza del Popolo—where the museum is located—is a major hub for ATAC city buses and trams. The square is also just steps from the Flaminio metro stop along Line A, making it easy to reach from the Termini train station or other city neighborhoods in just minutes

Best times to visit

The museum is open from 10am to 8pm daily, and it doesn’t close for a lunch hour, when many other museums and attractions in Rome shut. Alternatively, arrive for opening or just before closing (last entry is at 7:15pm) to avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

This family-friendly museum gets busy on the weekends and school holidays, so visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the hands-on exhibits and VR experience in relative peace.

Best months to visit

Rome’s museums and sights are at their most crowded in the summer months from June through September, while November to March is the ideal time of year to avoid the throngs.

Special events

This museum is open daily, so visit on holidays such as Christmas and Easter when many other city sights and museums are closed.