Pio-Clementine Museum

The Pio-Clementine Museum in the Vatican Museums is one of the most prestigious and important collections of classical sculpture in the world. Founded in the 18th century by Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI, the museum houses an extraordinary array of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, many of which were discovered during excavations in Rome and surrounding areas. The museum was originally created to showcase the papal collection of antiquities and has since become one of the Vatican’s most visited sections.

The museum is renowned for its stunning galleries, which include some of the Vatican Museums’ most iconic spaces such as the Octagonal Courtyard, home to masterpieces like the Laocoön Group and the Apollo Belvedere. Other highlights include the Hall of the Muses, which features statues of the Nine Muses and the famous Belvedere Torso, and the Round Hall, modeled after the Pantheon, which contains large, impressive sculptures and a magnificent mosaic floor.

The Pio-Clementine Museum offers a comprehensive view of classical art and sculpture, displaying the skill and artistry of ancient craftsmen. It provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the artistic, cultural, and religious influences that shaped Roman and Greek civilizations, making it an essential stop for those interested in the legacy of classical antiquity.