Ara Pacis Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Museo dell'Ara Pacis houses the Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace), a Roman altar built between 13 and 9 BC to celebrate Emperor Augustus' return from campaigns in Hispania and Gaul. The altar is enclosed in a striking modern building designed by American architect Richard Meier, which opened in 2006. This is one of Rome's most accessible cultural sites. Built from scratch in the 21st century, the museum was designed with full barrier-free access from the start, including ramps, an elevator, wide entrances, and tactile aids for blind visitors.

Getting There

• Metro: Spagna station (Line A) has elevator access. From there, it is about a 15-minute roll west and south along Via dei Condotti and then toward the Tiber. The route is mostly flat on paved sidewalks.
• Bus: Routes 70, 81, 87, and 628 stop near the museum along Lungotevere in Augusta or Via di Ripetta.
• Accessible entrance: The main entrance on Lungotevere in Augusta is at street level with no steps. The entrance doors are approximately 2 meters wide. A second entrance to the auditorium is at Via di Ripetta 190, also at street level.
• Disabled parking: The closest reserved parking spaces are at Lungotevere Prati 22 (210 meters), Lungotevere dei Mellini 7 (270 meters), and Via Marianna Dionigi 2 (300 meters).

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Both entrances are fully step-free and at street level. Doors are wide enough for all standard wheelchairs and power chairs.
• Inside, ramps allow you to view the Ara Pacis monument from all sides at 360 degrees on the upper floor.
• An elevator (approximately 1.50 meters wide) connects the upper floor to the lower floor, where additional exhibition space and toilets are located.
• All corridors and viewing areas are wide and barrier-free. The museum was purpose-built in 2006, so there are no historic building constraints.
• Free wheelchair loan is available at the ticket office or reception desk. Advance reservation is recommended by calling the museum.
• Permanent tactile aids are installed throughout, allowing blind and visually impaired visitors to explore the monument by touch.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are located on the lower floor, near the elevator. They include grab rails and sufficient turning space for standard wheelchairs.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Admission is free for people with disabilities and one companion. Bring your disability card or documentation.
• The museum is compact. A visit typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, making it a manageable stop even on a busy day.
• The glass walls of the Meier building let in natural light, making the space pleasant and easy to navigate visually.
• Audio guides are available and can be used from a seated position.
• The museum regularly hosts accessible events for visitors with various disabilities, including guided tours adapted for different needs. Check the website or call ahead to ask about upcoming accessible programming.
• Combine this visit with a stroll along the Tiber riverbank (Lungotevere), which has flat paved sidewalks in this section.