Centrale Montemartini, Rome: Ancient Roman Sculptures Sleeping in a Power Plant
The story of how an old thermal power plant in Rome's Ostiense district went through a temporary exhibition in 1997 before becoming an official museum in 2001. We introduce this unique space where ancient Roman sculptures stand amid massive turbines and boilers, along with how to get there and tips for visiting.
ORBIT AI · 11/5/2026
Where Machines and Gods Meet
In Rome's southern Ostiense district, there is a sight that doesn't quite fit the image of the city of 'Rome.' Inside a massive industrial building built of red brick, marble sculptures from the Roman Empire two thousand years ago stand quietly among rusted turbines and boilers—this is Centrale Montemartini. The place was originally a power plant. It was Rome's first municipal thermal power plant, which began operating on June 30, 1912, under the hand of then-Mayor of Rome Ernesto Nathan, and was designed by engineer Corrado Puccioni. After supplying electricity to the citizens of Rome for nearly 50 years, the plant ceased operation in 1968 and remained an abandoned piece of industrial heritage for almost 30 years afterward. The change began in 1997. At the time, the Musei Capitolini was undergoing large-scale renovation work, creating a need for a space to temporarily relocate the ancient Roman sculptures and excavated artifacts in its collection. The old power plant building, restored by Acea, was chosen as that temporary exhibition venue, and an exhibition titled 'Le Macchine e gli Dei' (The Machines and the Gods) was held. This unusual combination—busts, sarcophagi, and mosaics arranged side by side against a backdrop of massive diesel engines and boilers—drew the interest of both visitors and experts alike, and the temporary exhibition was converted into an official permanent museum in 2001. It now serves as the second branch of the Musei Capitolini, exhibiting sculptures, portraits, sarcophagi, and mosaics unearthed during excavation work in Rome during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2016, following a renovation, a new hall displaying the carriage of Pope Pius IX was also added. The appeal of this place lies not simply in the exhibits themselves, but in the way industrial heritage and ancient artifacts collide within a single space. A portrait sculpture of a Roman noble is placed in front of the massive diesel engine 'San Giorgio,' while the boiler room known as 'Sala Colonne' (Room of Columns) is lined with Roman-era works imitating Greek sculpture. Though small in scale compared to the grand museums of central Rome, it is also known as a space that can be explored relatively leisurely, since it doesn't draw large crowds.
Visiting Tips
Centrale Montemartini is located at Via Ostiense 106, and can be reached on foot from the Garbatella station on Metro Line B. Since it's some distance from central areas such as the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, it's a good idea to check the route in advance using a map app before visiting. Opening days and closed days, ticket types and prices, and whether a combined ticket with the Musei Capitolini is available can change depending on the season, so checking the latest information on the official website before visiting is the most accurate approach. Travelers who enjoy photography should not miss 'Sala Colonne,' where the power plant equipment and sculptures can be seen together.
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1Accessible on foot from Garbatella station on Metro Line B. Check the official website for the latest information on opening hours and tickets before visiting.
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