Reason #5384 to love Rome: Palazzo Brancaccio and the Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum, RomeRome has so many not-to-be-missed museums, that sometimes it’s hard to get around to the lesser known ones.

But if you are a frequent visitor to Rome, and looking for something different, why not stop off to see the Asian Art collection in the Palazzo Brancaccio on Via Merulana?

Officially it’s called the Museo Nazionale d’arte orientale ‘Giuseppe Tucci‘, named after Giuseppe Tucci (1894-1984), a 20th century Italian scholar of Oriental culture and a Professor at Rome’s La Sapienza University, specializing in Tibet and the history of Buddhism.

Asian Art Museum, RomeTucci organized several pioneering archaeological digs throughout Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Himalayas. His finds form the base of this collection.

It’s a nice place to wander, enjoying the surroundings of the Brancaccio Palace while admiring the collection. There are special exhibitions often on display at the museum.

If you happen to be in Rome at the start of a month, it’s also good to note that a visit on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free.

Asian Art Museum, RomeSo, if you’re  a Roman expert and have already visited the must-sees, you might enjoy popping into this collection when you are in the neighborhood. A touch of the Far East in Rome.

If you are visiting the Palazzo Brancaccio Museum, see my earlier tips on what to see in the area, such as visiting the spectacular Santa Prassede church, the Roman era Auditorium Mecenate,  eating at Panella, the site of Bernini’s studio, and enjoying coffee with a  view at the Colle oppio park , which also overlooks the Ludus Magnus, the ancient school of the gladiators.

5 Comments

  1. ledrakenoir on June 7, 2016 at 7:18 am

    Not a Rome-expert, but visited severl times – didn’t know this… 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on June 7, 2016 at 8:13 am

      Well, there’s so much to see on Rome trips that this is definitely lower on the list. But I’m glad to see many tourists finding their way here.

  2. Ishita on June 7, 2016 at 7:25 am

    I was in Rome last month and had even sent you a DM on twitter whether you like to meet up 🙂

    • kimberlysullivan on June 7, 2016 at 8:11 am

      I’m so sorry about this! I didn’t have a DM from you in Twitter – I don’t know what happened. : ( Such a shame because it sounds like we have to meet up in person over coffee or wine and have long chats about our shared love for Italy. Hope you’ll be back soon!

      • Ishita on June 7, 2016 at 9:17 am

        Oh do check on Twitter though, it shows delivered 🙂 Maybe it was a miss. Try refreshing Twitter page. That’s alright, you know I will be back soon again. Just wondering when. I wish to come today right away!

Leave a Comment