Museo Ostiense

Located inside the Ostia archeological park, this museum is a must-see if you’ve already entered the archeological park. There’re many marbles of Greek style dated from around A.D. 200 that even rival the most polished and viral version of the modern counterparts. You basically can see how folks living in its ancient republic tamed the fear about sea and wild animals - in the theme of trials of automation through emblematization.

Freshly renovated in 2024. It's not terribly big, but definitely worth checking out if you have time. It helps to get the grasp of the whole story of the city.

A tour of the Ostia Archaeological Park can be completed by admiring the artifacts on display in the Museum, located in the excavation area. The collection is housed in the Casone del Sale, a Renaissance building, and illustrates the history of the Roman city from its origins to the Imperial era. The necropolis, temples, and residential buildings have yielded terracotta statues and marble busts, including those of figures associated with the imperial court. Noteworthy are the frescoes and painted friezes that decorated the residences, attesting to the high artistic level achieved.

I'm adding this complex back to Maps with its first review because it's one of the finest Roman archaeology museums in existence. This is true for its layout, the richness, and the value of its exhibits. I waited a long time (it was closed for a long time for restoration and only recently reopened), but the wait was worth it. Twelve rooms for seven exhibitions, where, while it's true, only a selection of the artifacts are on display, the selection of pieces fully does justice to the beauty of virtually all the masterpieces on display. The building has already been given a new lease of life: the former Casone del Sale (of Renaissance origins and intended as a museum in the mid-1800s but inaugurated as such by Mussolini only in 1934) has been restored to its former splendor, and the interior is filled with light and perfectly arranged, guiding visitors through centuries and history. Among other things, it was designed with a cavity under the floor to protect it from the humidity that is prevalent in the area, making it perfect for this purpose. It's hard to contain your amazement at the beauty of the works that greet you upon entering, many of which should be relocated along the archaeological site's visitor route, where plaster copies are often found. Spectacular are the Winged Victory, the complex of Mithras slaying the bull (visit the corresponding underground Mithraeum), the sarcophagus lid with the priest, the statue of Trajan, and so much more beyond mention. Among the exhibits are the first written Hebrew text in the West (the archaeological area is home to Europe's oldest synagogue) and some murals. The only drawback: the stifling heat, especially in some rooms, could be improved to make it easier to stay and view the artworks and videos. A must-see, worth the trip and admission fee alone for such a wealth of history. Need some help? Leave a like and check out my other reviews of Ostia, Rome, and beyond.

A very beautiful modern museum. Statues, busts, sarcophagi, paintings and other discoveries are majestically displayed in very beautiful rooms.