New Museum of the Forma Urbis Opens in Rome's Celio Park

On January 12, 2024, the Celio Archaeological Park and the new Museum of the Forma Urbis open in Rome, showcasing the ancient marble map of the city carved under Emperor Septimius Severus (203–211 AD). The museum, housed in the former GIL gymnasium (built 1929), displays 75% of the surviving fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae, laid horizontally on the floor over Giovanni Battista Nolli's 1748 map. The park features a free-access archaeological garden with epigraphic and architectural materials from the former Antiquarium Comunale, organized by theme. The project is part of the larger CArMe urban renewal plan, led by Walter Tocci and supported by Jubilee and PNRR funds totaling €5 million, with completion expected by 2025–2026. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Superintendent Claudio Parisi Presicce highlighted the park's role as a free, social space for research and study. The park is open daily 7:00–17:30 (until 20:00 in summer). The museum entrance is paid, with discounts for Rome residents and free for Mic Card holders.