Ara Pacis Museum

Ara Pacis Museum

The Ara Pacis is an altar dedicated to the Goddess of Peace. It was commissioned by the Roman Senate on July 4, 13 BC, to celebrate the triumphal return of Emperor Augustus from Spain and Gaul, and consecrated on January 30, 9 BC, to honor the peace he brought to the empire following his victories. It attempts to portray the peace and prosperity of the Pax Romana, and serves as a reminder that these were made possible by the military dominance of the Roman Empire under the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

The Ara Pacis is a masterpiece of Roman sculpture, and its reliefs rank among the most significant works in the history of ancient Roman art. Having suffered damage over the centuries, it has now been restored and relocated within the Ara Pacis Museum. The new Ara Pacis Museum opened in the spring of 2006 and was designed by internationally renowned architect Richard Meier. This new structure along the banks of the Tiber River serves as a modern annex for the Ara Pacis, aiming to protect this important piece of Rome’s cultural heritage. The new building replaced the framework of the old one. It features a long, single-story hall enclosed in glass, elevated on a shallow podium, creating a transparent barrier between the Tiber River and the existing surrounding buildings.

Museo dell'Ara Pacis

Must-visit reason: One of Rome’s most famous masterpieces of sculpture

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]