Its first collection was formed from the archeological collections of the Museo Kircheriano and the numerous new discoveries in Rome during the city-planning after it became the new capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. This was initially meant to be displayed in a 'Museo Tiberino' (never realised), but in 1901 the State granted the institution the Villa Ludovisi and the important national collection of ancient sculptures.

The National Museum of Rome is the largest and most important museum in Italy and one of the most visited in the world. Located in the heart of Rome, the museum houses some of the most important artworks of the Italian and European culture. It is divided into two main sections: the Antiquarium, which includes the ancient Roman sculptures, and the modern and contemporary art galleries. The museum was founded in 1889, and it has been collecting and preserving artworks since then.

It has a collection of over 1.5 million objects, including works of art, archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, coins, and antiques. It is divided into five departments: Antiquities, Paintings and Sculpture, Textiles and Costume, Prints and Drawings, and Coins and Medals. It also has a library with over 200,000 volumes. The museum is visited by millions of people each year, including school groups and tourists from around the world. It offers a variety of educational activities, such as guided tours, lectures, and workshops. It also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year. The museum is open every day except Monday and is free for the citizens of Rome.