Not just the Jubilee: The best events in Rome in 2025, from art to archaeology

The Papal Jubilee is Rome’s biggest deal in this year, but 2025 is also filled with exciting art exhibitions, festivals and events worth travelling for. If there’s one word that defines Rome in 2025, it’s Jubilee — or Giubileo, if you’re speaking Italian. The once-every-25-years event began on 24 December 2024, with Pope Francis opening the normally sealed Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. Until 6 January 2026, tens of millions of pilgrims will pour through these doors, as well as the Holy Doors at Rome’s other Papal Basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura, to receive plenary indulgences, or the washing away of sins.

In anticipation of the Jubilee and the expected increase in visitors – up to 35 million, a major rise from the 7-10 million who visit every year – Rome has had a facelift. Piazzas are spruced up, fountains are freshly gleaming and vehicle traffic has been rerouted to permit better flow for pedestrians. The results are dazzling and the Eternal City has never looked better. While the Jubilee is certainly the main event in Rome this year, it’s far from the only one. Whether you’re visiting as part of a Jubilee pilgrimage, or your trip to Rome just happens to coincide with this year-long celebration, there’s a full calendar of not-to-be-missed concerts, art exhibits, limited openings and performances. Here are some of the most tempting offerings.

Read more: The best hotels in Rome for location and value for money. Read more: New archaeological museum contains original marble map from ancient Rome. Read more: Beyond the Trevi Fountain – the ancient Roman’s guide to the secret gems hidden among the tourist sites. A major retrospective of Norwegian Expressionist artist Edvard Munch takes place at Palazzo Bonaparte from 11 February until 2 June. The exhibit includes 100 paintings and prints from the Munch Museum in Oslo, including versions of The Scream, Death in the Sickroom and The Girls on the Bridge, and marks the largest show of his works in Italy in 20 years.

Read more: This ivy-clad Rome neighbourhood is where the locals come to eat. From June to September, Rome’s liveliest summer party, the Estate Romana (Roman Summer), takes place on the embankments of the Tiber River, the setting for dozens of pop-up bars, restaurants, mini amusement parks and live music venues. On a sultry summer evening, it’s a delightful place to bar hop, enjoy an aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks), and stroll for a few hours. Estate Romana is held as part of the Roma Summer Fest (see above).