In Rome, just outside the city center, lies one of the country’s most famous art museums, Galleria Borghese. Here, you can see what was once one of the largest private collections in the world, featuring works from numerous renowned artists.
Every year, thousands of tourists flock here to experience Galleria Borghese and everything it has to offer. It is simply a museum you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
Tickets to Galleria Borghese
You can buy your tickets to Galleria Borghese online if you prefer, but you can also purchase them directly at the ticket office on-site. However, keep in mind that waiting times can be long, especially during peak season.
This also applies to weekends, as it is a popular spot among locals. Even online tickets can sell out quickly, so if you purchase them via the gallery’s website, make sure to book in advance.
An alternative to navigating on your own is to book your tickets to Galleria Borghese with Get Your Guide. This way, you can skip the ticket queue and head straight to the dedicated entrance for ticket holders who purchased their tickets this way. This saves a lot of time, as the queues can be long, giving you more time to enjoy the exhibitions.
With Get Your Guide, the ticket also includes an English-speaking guide (if selected), who can answer any questions you have along the way. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish. You also get access to the famous gardens belonging to the villa and gallery. Book your tickets here
How to Get to Galleria Borghese
Getting to Galleria Borghese is very simple. You can take the bus, with options including lines 360, 52, 53, 63, 83, 910, or 92.
All these lines stop within a ten-minute walk from Galleria Borghese. A single ticket costs €1.50 for an adult, and the same ticket can be used on both buses and the metro.
You can also take the metro and get off at Spagna station, which is served by Line A. From there, it’s just a short walk to Galleria Borghese.
The History of Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese dates back to the 17th century when it was the private home of Scipione Borghese, an art enthusiast. Borghese was an Italian cardinal and the pope’s personal secretary. He commissioned architects to build the villa in the style of an ancient Roman villa. Once completed, he filled it with his private art collection.
His collection grew over the years as he purchased masterpieces and even forced artists to give him their works. The highlight of his collection was the Bernini sculptures he had acquired – they were his pride and joy. In addition to collecting existing Bernini sculptures, he commissioned Bernini to create specific sculptures for his home. To this day, the Borghese Gallery houses the world’s largest collection of Bernini works!
To showcase his collection, Scipione Borghese used Villa Borghese as the ultimate party house. He hosted extravagant gatherings that impressed both nobles and artists with his unique home and art exhibitions.
Four centuries have passed since Villa Borghese was a thriving party venue. Until 1903, it remained the property of the Borghese family. However, in 1903, the Italian government purchased Villa Borghese and opened it to the public as Borghese Gallery.
Some masterpieces have come and gone, with some artworks added or loaned to the collection, while others have been moved. But the gallery still contains most of Scipione’s original collection and remains one of Rome’s top attractions.
Must-See Highlights in Galleria Borghese
The Sculpture of Paolina Borghese Bonaparte
What wouldn’t one do for love! This sculpture of a beautiful woman depicts Paolina Borghese Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger sister and wife of Prince Camillo Borghese. He wanted her statue, resembling Venus, to cement her position in society and be a true celebration of her beauty.
The Statue of Apollo and Daphne
This dynamic sculpture by Bernini tells the story of Apollo, who is struck by a golden arrow and falls in love with the nymph Daphne. However, she is hit by a lead arrow and wishes to change her form. In the end, her prayers are answered, and Daphne transforms into a laurel tree as Apollo approaches her.
The Rape of Proserpina
The sculpture depicts the myth of Pluto, the god of the underworld, abducting Proserpina from the shores of Lake Pergusa. One look at the statue, and you can vividly feel the young woman’s resistance against her capture and the god’s overpowering strength holding her back.
Guided Tours and Other Experiences at Galleria Borghese
If you wish to take a guided tour, you can easily book it with Get Your Guide.
The advantage of this is that you can skip the queue at the gallery’s ticket office and start your visit without long waiting times.
Opening Hours at Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is open to the public all year round. The only closure days are Christmas Day and January 1st each year. You can visit the gallery between 9 AM and 7 PM, with the last admission taking place one hour before closing to ensure visitors have enough time to explore before leaving.
To avoid the worst queues, it is best to visit Galleria Borghese during the winter or on weekdays, preferably in the early morning.
Good to Know Before Your Visit
The tour at Galleria Borghese is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with mobility impairments. Please mention this when booking your visit.
The meeting point for your tour is in front of the entrance to Galleria Borghese. The tour is conducted in English. Arrive approximately 15 minutes early to ensure you find the right spot.
Large bags are not allowed inside the gallery. However, there is a storage area where you can leave any large bags for a small fee.
Galleria Borghese Could Be Your New Favorite Museum
Visiting Galleria Borghese is like stepping into another world. Here, you can stroll through the incredible building that once was the founder’s home while admiring outstanding works of art.
You can then finish your visit with a walk around the stunning gardens. A visit here will undoubtedly make you want to return for more.
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