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Exploring the Galleria Borghese: Rome’s most famous art gallery

The Borghese Gallery, situated in the picturesque Villa Borghese Park in Rome, is one of the city’s most renowned art galleries. It was once the private collection of a powerful cardinal, but is now open to the public. The gallery is host to some of Bernini’s most celebrated works, such as the captivating sculptures of Apollo and Daphne, the striking Sleeping Hermaphrodite statue, and a selection of acclaimed paintings from renowned artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. Although smaller than the Vatican Museums, the Borghese Gallery’s size advantageously allows for closer inspection of the amazing works on display.

Opening Hours

Visitors to the Gallery have the opportunity to explore its exhibits from Tuesday through Sunday, with the doors opening at 9 a.m. and the last entrance permitted at 5.45 p.m. The Gallery is open until 7 p.m., and the ticket office is open from 8.30 a.m. until an hour before closing. Those wishing to visit the Gallery should be aware that it will be closed on the 25th of December.

Tickets

Galleria Borghese offers a variety of ticket prices for visitors to the museum. The full price of a ticket is €13.00, with a discounted rate of €2.00 for those aged 18-25. Those under 18 years of age are granted free admission. However, it is important to note that ticket prices may increase when temporary exhibitions are held. Additionally, a reservation fee of €2.00 is mandatory for all ticket purchases. Individuals who opt for the free ticket must provide proof of their right to free admission. If no such proof is provided, the ticket will be canceled and the visitor must purchase the regular ticket. All information regarding how to buy and book Galleria Borghese tickets can be found on this page.

How to Get to the Borghese Gallery

Nestled inside the Borghese Gardens, the Gallery is easily accessible via foot or public transportation. The closest entrance to the Gallery is just two minutes away from the main door via Via Pinciana. Other nearby park entrances include Via Mercadante and Via Raimondi. 

  • Starting from Stazione Termini (Termini Railroad Station), travelers can take the 910 bus line in the direction of Mancini, or the 92 bus line in the direction of Marliana, to get to the Pinciana/Museo Borghese.
  • Traveling to the S.Paolo del Brasile stop from the FLAMINIO metro station (A line) is made easy by the availability of bus services. These include the 89, 490, 495, and 61 buses, all heading in different directions. The 89 heads to Bressanone/ S.Agnese Annibaliano, the 490 and 495 to Stazione Tiburtina, and the 61 to Balsamo Crivelli. Additionally, the 160 bus travels to Montagnola.
  • Visitors to the Borghese Museum who are taking the metro to the BARBERINI station on Line A can continue their journey to the museum by taking the 63, 83, 61, 160, 52 or 53 bus. The 63 and 83 buses go in the direction of Rossellini and Largo Valsabbia respectively and passengers should get off at the Pinciana/Museo Borghese stop. Similarly, the 61 and 160 buses go in the direction of Villa Borghese/Washington and should be exited at the S.Paolo del Brasile stop. The 52 and 53 buses both head towards the Pinciana/Museo Borghese stop.
  • Traveling from the Spagna Metro Station, located on the A-line, will take you to the Barberini Station. To get there, simply take the A-line Metro in the direction of Anagnina. Once you arrive at the Barberini Station, you can follow the instructions provided to you to reach your desired destination.
  • Traveling from the Tiburtina metro station (B Line) to the S.Paolo del Brasile stop is easy and convenient. For those looking for public transport, two bus lines can take them to their destination. The 490 bus travels in the direction of Cornelia and the 495 bus travels in the direction of Valle Aurelia.

Is the Borghese Gallery worth seeing

It offers one of the most renowned private art collections in the world, originally assembled by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century. The gallery features an incredible array of works from ancient Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, including pieces by Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, Correggio, Rubens, and Canova.

The beauty of the Borghese Gallery is that it is equipped with a timed reservation system to keep the crowds at bay. While this means visitors must obtain tickets in advance, it also ensures that they will be able to enjoy the art in a peaceful and serene atmosphere. For art lovers looking to explore the wonders of Rome without being overwhelmed, the Galleria Borghese is an absolute must.

What can you see at Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is home to a diverse collection of art and artifacts that are sure to delight any visitor. By exploring the full list of the most important things to see on our page, visitors can make sure they don’t miss out on any of the Gallery’s wonders.

Complete Guide Here: What can you see at Borghese Gallery

How much time to spend at the Borghese Gallery

Visiting the Borghese Gallery is an experience that lasts two hours, except for the 5.45 p.m. shift. You are allowed to enter the gallery in shifts of up to 180 people at a time. Entry and exit times for the shifts are as follows: 

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
5.45 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

You can plan your visit accordingly to ensure you are able to take in all the wonders of the Borghese Gallery within the allotted two hour timeframe.


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