Exhibition at the Colosseum
Troy and Rom
Exhibition at the Colosseum
Troy and Rom
Exhibition at the Colosseum
Troy and Rome
Troy and Rome: Myths, Legends and Stories from the Ancient Mediterranean
Exhibition at the Colosseum
12 June to 18 October 2026
The Colosseum remains Rome’s ultimate must-see attraction – and not just from the outside. It’s only once you step inside that you truly appreciate the sheer scale and grandeur of this iconic monument. Until 18 October 2026, visitors who manage to secure tickets or a guided tour (booking well in advance is essential, as tickets sell out quickly) can also discover a fascinating temporary exhibition. “Troy and Rome” explores the legendary connections between the ancient city of Troy and the origins of Rome, offering an even deeper insight into the history and myths of the ancient Mediterranean.
Colosseums
Tickets
The details
at a glance
Exhibition
Troy and Rome: Myths, Legends and Stories from the Ancient Mediterranean
12 June to 18 October 2026
Opening hours
The Colosseum opens at 8.30 h
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill open at 9.00 h
Until 30 September 2026
Open until 19.15 h
Last admission at 18.15 h
1 – 24 October 2026
Open until 18.30 h
Last admission at 17.30 h
Prices
Official website
Basic ticket for the Colosseum & Roman Forum
EUR 18 for adults (24-hour ticket)
EUR 2 for EU citizens aged 18 up to their 25th birthday
Free admission for children under 18
Including arena access:
EUR 24 for adults
More than 300 artefacts are on display, including loans from some of Italy’s most important museums and over 220 objects from 19 Turkish collections. This unique collaboration is what makes the exhibition so special, bringing together in Rome what history has long kept apart: the ancient city of Troy in Anatolia and Rome’s legendary origins.
Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, describes the exhibition as a project that demonstrates the enduring power of myth while giving archaeological discoveries their historical context. It’s a fitting description of a fascinating exhibition that combines legend with tangible evidence.
The exhibition is housed in the upper levels of the Colosseum and begins by introducing the city of Troy itself – where it stood, what daily life was like and why it became so influential.
About the Exhibition
Troy & Rome
From there, the story unfolds through the Trojan War, told from the Trojans’ perspective, before following the escape of Aeneas around 1184 BC. The final section explores the legendary connection to Rome, which, according to Roman tradition, was founded in 753 BC by Aeneas’ descendants, Romulus and Remus.
In other words: Troy falls, Aeneas escapes, and around four centuries later his descendants establish Rome. Everyday objects, mosaics and sculptures bring this legendary journey vividly to life, making the myth feel surprisingly tangible.
A quick guide to
the Trojan War
According to Greek mythology, the Trojan War began when Paris, a prince of Troy, abducted Helen, considered the most beautiful woman in Greece. In response, the Greek armies laid siege to Troy for ten years before finally capturing the city through one of history’s most famous tricks: the Trojan Horse. Presented as a gift, the enormous wooden horse concealed Greek soldiers inside. Once it had been brought into the city, they emerged under cover of darkness, opened the gates for the army, and Troy was destroyed.
The Trojan prince Aeneas survived the fall of the city. Escaping the flames, he embarked on a long journey across the Mediterranean before eventually reaching Latium in central Italy. According to Roman legend, his descendants later founded the city of Alba Longa, and several generations afterwards came the twins Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.
In other words, Rome’s mythical origins do not begin in Italy but in Troy, in what is now north-western Turkey. Its legendary founder was a refugee from a fallen city – a story that became politically significant, particularly for Emperor Augustus, who claimed descent from Aeneas to strengthen the legitimacy of his rule.
Our verdict
We’d recommend visiting the Colosseum regardless – it’s one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks for a reason.
But this exhibition is particularly worthwhile if you’ve already been to the Colosseum and would like to delve deeper into the myths, legends and fascinating stories behind the origins of Rome. It adds a whole new layer to the experience and brings one of antiquity’s greatest legends vividly to life.
Susi
Text and photo rights: © Céline Mülich, 2026
With the support of Susanne Vukan.
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