Initially a temporary exhibition, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is now permanently housed adjacent the church on the busy Piazza del Popolo. The museum’s collection includes more than 120 pieces, including life-size machines built from Leonardo’s codices, anatomical studies, and sketches of his most famous Renaissance art, including The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza equestrian sculpture. The museum is a popular stop during Rome city tours, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid a long wait to enter.
Before or after your museum visit, stop inside the adjacent Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo to see its famous Caravaggio paintings.
The museum has a number of interactive machines and multimedia videos, making this a good option for families traveling with children.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
Due to its small size, there are no food or beverage stands in the museum, though there are a number of dining options on the square.
The museum is located in Piazza del Popolo, not far from the Spanish Steps. Take tram 2; bus 89, 61, 495, 490, or 117; or metro line A (Flaminio stop).
The museum is a nice respite from the heat of Rome during summer, so plan to visit during the warmest midday hours.
Larger museums dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo are in Milan, Florence, and the artist’s hometown of Vinci, but the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome offers a comprehensive look at his Renaissance works.
