The origins of the papal collection of classical sculptures can be traced back to Pope Julius II (1503–1513), who established the original collection in the Cortile delle Statue, now known as the Octagonal Court. During the latter half of the 18th century, the collection grew significantly due to archaeological excavations in Rome and Lazio, as well as generous donations from collectors and antiquarians. Influenced by Enlightenment ideals, the collection was transformed into a modern museum, open to the public, with the goal of preserving ancient works of art and fostering their study and appreciation.

The museum, named Pio Clementino, honors the two popes who oversaw its creation: Clement XIV Ganganelli (1769–1774) and Pius VI Braschi (1775–1799). It occupies several grand exhibition spaces formed by repurposing existing rooms and adding new structures within and around the small Belvedere Palace of Innocent VIII (1484–1492). The collection brought together numerous ancient sculptures, many of which were restored to replace missing parts. The museum’s neoclassical architecture, designed under the direction of Alessandro Dori, Michelangelo Simonetti, and Giuseppe Camporese, was further enhanced by contributions from numerous painters and decorators.

Following the Treaty of Tolentino in 1797, the Papal States were forced to surrender many of the museum’s masterpieces to Napoleon, and these works were transported to Paris. However, after Napoleon’s defeat and the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Antonio Canova’s diplomatic efforts led to the successful recovery of most of these treasures.