Rome's state and city-run museums free on first Sunday of the month.

State museums and archaeological sites in Rome and across Italy will be open for free on Sunday 4 September thanks to the Domenica al Museo initiative.

The nationwide free entry scheme is held every first Sunday of the month in tandem with the monthly free entry for Rome's city-run museums.

This means that practically all museums and archaeological sites in Rome will be free to visitors this Sunday, however some museums such as Galleria Borghese require advance booking.

There will be free access to the archaeological areas of the Circus Maximus (09.30-19.00, last entry 18.00) and the Imperial Fora (entrance at Trajan's Column 09.00-19.00, last entry 18.00).

The initiative also gives free access to temporary exhibitions currently underway in Rome's museums.

The Italian culture ministry encourages the wearing of masks when visiting museums however it is not obligatory.

For details of participating museums see ministry website.

Cover image: Borromini staircase at Palazzo Barberini, Rome. Photo: Todamo / Shutterstock.com.