What is the Ara Pacis?
The Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace) was dedicated by the Senate in 9 BC to celebrate the peace Emperor Augustus brought after his campaigns. Its marble reliefs show a procession of Augustus's family, priests and senators, mythological scenes and lush acanthus scrolls: some of the finest Roman sculpture anywhere.
The altar was reassembled from fragments in the 1930s and since 2006 has been housed in a bright glass-and-travertine pavilion by American architect Richard Meier, beside the Mausoleum of Augustus.
Tickets
Check the official Ara Pacis site for current prices and exhibitions, which change the combined ticket price.
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How busy is it?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Ara Pacis Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Tuesday, 9-10 am
Busiest time
Sunday, 11 am-8 pm
Tips
- Take the video or audio guide, or read up first: the reliefs' stories aren't obvious.
- Walk round the altar twice: inside (the sacrificial altar) and outside (the procession).
- Look for the reconstructions of the original colours.
- Visit the Mausoleum of Augustus next door, which has its own ticket and limited slots.
Getting there
Metro A to Flaminio or Spagna, then a 10-minute walk, or walk from the Spanish Steps (10 minutes) or Piazza del Popolo (5-10 minutes) along the river.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying an exhibition combo when you only want the altar.
- Arriving after 6:30 pm, the last entry.
- Missing the Mausoleum of Augustus next door.
What to see
The altar
The Ara Pacis Augustae, the Altar of Augustan Peace, was commissioned by the Senate in 13 BC to celebrate Augustus's return from Spain and Gaul, and dedicated in 9 BC. Its marble enclosure is carved with some of the finest reliefs of Roman art: a procession of the imperial family, priests and senators on the long sides, mythological scenes of Rome's founding, and swirling acanthus scrolls full of birds and small animals below.
The procession frieze
Look for Augustus himself, his son-in-law Agrippa with his head covered, and small children tugging at their parents' togas, an unusually human touch in official Roman art.
The Res Gestae
On the outside wall of the museum, facing the Mausoleum of Augustus, is the text of Augustus's own account of his achievements, the Res Gestae Divi Augusti.
Augustus's mausoleum
Opposite the museum, the huge circular tomb of Augustus has reopened after restoration and can be visited with separate timed tickets.
History of the altar
The altar originally stood on the Campus Martius, near the Via Flaminia. Over centuries it was buried under silt, and fragments were found from the 16th century onwards and scattered among museums. In the 1930s, Mussolini's government excavated the rest, gathered the pieces and rebuilt the altar beside the Mausoleum of Augustus for the 2,000th anniversary of Augustus's birth. The modern museum building, by the American architect Richard Meier, opened in 2006 and was controversial for its modernist style in the historic centre.
With children
The museum is small and calm, with space for strollers and a short visit. Children may enjoy spotting the small figures in the procession frieze. Augmented-reality evening shows, when running, bring the altar's original colours to life and appeal to older children.
Is the Ara Pacis worth it?
Yes, for anyone interested in ancient Rome: it's a masterpiece of Augustan art in a calm, modern setting, and rarely crowded. An hour is enough.
FAQs
How much is the Ara Pacis Museum?
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About €14 for non-resident adults, more with a temporary exhibition. Rome residents with the MIC card are free.
What are the opening hours?
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Daily 9:30 am-7:30 pm, last entry 6:30 pm, with later evenings Friday to Sunday in summer.
How long do you need?
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About an hour, 2 hours with an exhibition.
Who designed the Ara Pacis museum building?
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Richard Meier, opened in 2006.
What's the best time to visit?
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Weekday mornings. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
