The National Roman Museum (Museo Nazionale Romano) is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, with collections spread across four different sites: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, and Crypta Balbi. The museum was founded in 1889 to collect and preserve Rome's ancient treasures, and it remains a must-see for history enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The museum’s highlights include a vast collection of classical sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics, many of which are displayed at Palazzo Massimo. Notable works include the famous bronze sculptures from the ships of Nemi, the Discobolus Lancellotti, and the Sleeping Hermaphrodite. The frescoes, especially those from Villa di Livia, offer visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the decorative styles of Roman aristocracy. Palazzo Altemps houses an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, including a number of pieces that once belonged to various Renaissance collectors. The Baths of Diocletian, another key part of the museum, were the largest public baths in ancient Rome, and today contain artifacts and exhibits relating to Roman history and culture.

The Crypta Balbi represents a unique part of the museum, showcasing the transformation of a city block from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Visitors to the National Roman Museum can learn about the social and cultural history of Rome, as the museum’s four branches collectively tell the story of the city's evolution over centuries, from the grandeur of the Roman Empire to the changes brought by the medieval period.