Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)

The basics

A limited number of required advance reservation tickets are available at any given time, so it’s best to book in advance. Borghese Gallery tours range from private or small-group tours, Segway tours of the greater Borghese Villa, and art-historian led tours, which add context to the artwork you’re seeing. However, even without a tour, you'll be able to appreciate Raphael’s impressive The Deposition and Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, two of the museum’s most famous works.

Things to know before you go

• The Borghese Gallery is a must-see for art lovers in Rome.

• Even with a required advance-purchase ticket, there can be long entry lines; to avoid the wait, consider skip-the-line tickets or guided tours.

• With limited entry and a time limit on your visit, the Borghese Gallery is a great place to enjoy art without the large crowds found at most Roman art museums.

• Wi-Fi is free to all visitors.

• The Borghese features accessible restrooms and a small elevator to the second floor.

How to get there

The Borghese Gallery is situated in central Rome, within the Villa Borghese. You’ll find the Villa Borghese up the Spanish Steps and on the path to the left. The closest metro station to the Borghese Gallery is Flaminio, on Line A.

When to get there

The Borghese Gallery is open from 8:30am to 7:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Like most Roman attractions, the Borghese is at its busiest in summer. It’s best to purchase your ticket for early morning entry, as that's often when it's quieter.

The Borghese family effect

The Borgheses were a powerful Italian family who rose to prominence and wealth after one member became Pope Paul V in 1552 and gave power and titles to other family members. One such was the pope’s nephew, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who built the Villa Borghese and Borghese Gardens in the 17th century to hold parties and house his private art collections. He was a patron of the famous artist Bernini, so many of Bernini’s sculptures—including Apollo and Daphne and David—are held in the Borghese collection.

Do you need to buy Borghese Gallery tickets in advance?

Yes, the Borghese Gallery sells limited timed tickets (valid for a 2-hour visit) each day, so they sell out quickly and must be reserved in advance. Tickets are only sold online and cannot be purchased at the museum entrance.

Is the Borghese Gallery worth it?

Yes, this small gallery is home to one of Rome’s premier collections of paintings and sculptures. It’s most famous for its marble masterpieces by Bernini, but there are also sculptures by Canova and canvases by Caravaggio and Raphael inside.

What is the best time to visit the Borghese Gallery?

Gallery Borghese sells limited tickets for each time slot during the day, so the museum is never overcrowded. The busiest times to visit are on weekends and holidays, while weekdays (especially in winter) are quieter.

How long does it take to go through the Borghese Gallery?

Compared to Rome’s other blockbuster art museums, the Borghese Gallery is relatively compact. Timed tickets are valid for a 2-hour visit, enough time to cover all the rooms and linger to admire Bernini’s headliners in the main hall.

Can you wear shorts to the Borghese Gallery?

Yes, the Borghese Gallery is not a sacred site, so there is no dress code to enter. Opt for comfortable clothing and shoes, since you will be on your feet during the two-hour visit, and be prepared to leave all bags and backpacks in the cloakroom.

Are photos allowed in the Borghese Gallery?

Yes, photography without flash is permitted inside the gallery, though selfie sticks must be left in the cloakroom. Be respectful of other visitors admiring the works, and do not approach the sculptures or paintings while photographing or taking videos to avoid damaging them.

Ways to explore

A limited number of required advance reservation tickets are available at any given time, so it’s best to book in advance. Borghese Gallery tours range from private or small-group tours, bike tours of the greater Borghese Villa, and art historian-led tours, which add context to the artwork you’re seeing. However, even without a tour, you’ll be able to appreciate Raphael’s impressive The Deposition and Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, two of the museum’s most famous works.

Admission is timed for 2-hour intervals, so tours and independent visits are limited to a maximum of two hours. Tours that also include the surrounding Villa Borghese park last around three hours.

Accessibility

The Borghese features accessible restrooms and a small elevator servicing all three floors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Headphones for audio tours, downloadable maps

What to wear

Borghese Gallery is not a church, so there is no strict dress code. You’ll be on your feet for at least two hours, however, so wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, food and drinks, pets aside from service dogs, flash photography

Amenities

Cloakroom, audio and video guides for rent, café, restrooms, gift shop

Address

The Borghese Gallery is situated in central Rome, within the Villa Borghese park and an easy walk from many of the city’s top sights. It is accessible by bus from locations across the city, though the easiest way to reach the art collection is by booking a tour that includes pickup directly at your hotel.

Driving

The museum does not have on-site parking, and Rome’s hectic traffic makes driving in the city stressful and time-consuming. Avoid the hassle of driving and reach the Borghese Gallery with public transportation or a private driver as part of a guided tour.

Public transportation

About 10 city bus routes include the Pinciana/Museo Borghese and S.Paolo del Brasile stops, both a short walk from the gallery. Buses connect from the main Termini station: the Flaminio, Barberini, and Spagna stations on metro line A; and Tiburtina station on metro line B. There are also taxi stands on Via Pinciana and Via Veneto.

Best times to visit

Groups of 180 visitors are allowed to enter in 2-hour blocks, so the museum is never too crowded. The final time slot of the day is just an hour and 45 minutes, so tickets are discounted and fewer visitors tend to book this shorter visit.

Best days to visit

Tickets sell out quickly for Sunday and holiday time slots, since the Vatican Museums are closed on those days. The easiest days to find tickets are weekdays, though you will still need to book your tour or ticket well in advance.

Best months to visit

Rome’s top sights are quietest in January and February during the seasonal tourist lull. You will also find it easier to book tickets to the Borghese Gallery in August, when visitors avoid Rome’s torrid heat.

Special events

The Borghese Gallery hosts a rotating roster of special exhibitions during most of the year, and entry is included in the general admission ticket. Check the museum’s website for a calendar of current and upcoming shows.