Museo Criminologico (crime museum), Rome 

  

   

An unusual and rather little known specialist museum in central Rome that is about the wider subject of crime and punishment. It includes grisly displays of instruments of torture and capital punishment (e.g. a guillotine), murder weapons and other objects that crimes were committed with, as well as graphic descriptions of particular cases. 

   

Apparently there are only a few labels in English, so most of the displays will either have to speak for themselves (many definitely will) or you will need to go with someone who can translate for you if you don't want to miss out on the textual elements. 

  

When I was in Rome in November 2014 I was unfortunately unable to check out this museum for myself – because I had relied on the opening times I had found advertised in some tourist brochure or website, but when I got there I found the museum closed. And since I had other arrangements made for the following days I was unable to slot in a visit to the museum. If/when I return to Rome, this museum will, however, be at the top of my priority list!

  

Admission: 2 EUR

  

Opening times: Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays also from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays as well as on public holidays. 

  

These are the times as stated on the museum's own website – be aware that you can find different times advertised (as I found out); and there may also be changes. Better check ahead and/or be flexible!

  

Location: at 29 Via del Gonfalone, which turns off Via Giulia that runs parallel to the river in the western part of Rome's historical centre. It's roughly half the distance between the Pantheon and the Vatican.  

    

Google maps locator: [41.8977, 12.4666]