At the heart of Villa Borghese, this 17th-century palace offers an immersion in Baroque art. Natural light showcases the Bernini marbles and Caravaggio's canvases. A compact setting where every architectural detail serves to enhance the masterpieces.
Prices and conditions
From 82 €.
A must-see destination for art lovers in Italy.
From 50 €.
Admire Caravaggio paintings and see sculptures by Bernini.
From 95 €.
View famous sculptures and paintings by notable artists.
From 165 €.
Explore art and sculpture masterpieces in Rome with an expert guide.
From 45,50 €.
A private art collection that's second to none.
From 224 €.
Learn about sculptures' stories and view famous artworks.
From 84 €.
See Caravaggio's "David and Goliath" and Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" up close.
From 199 €.
Tour the 17th-century villa and view famous artworks.
From 300 €.
View Bernini’s sculptures and see Caravaggio’s masterpieces.
From 295 €.
See famous artworks and ride a golf cart past Rome's landmarks.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We took the Fast-track ticket and it was essential. Arriving 15 minutes before our 2-hour slot, we avoided the long queue. The white marble of The Rapture of Proserpina is moving in the natural light from the windows."
"The French-language guided tour was a real plus for understanding Cardinal Scipione Borghese's history. We admired Judith beheading Holofernes without being distracted by the crowd. The museum's compact size allows you to see everything calmly."
"A beautiful place, but the strict time-slot system is restrictive. I had to manage my time down to the millisecond to avoid missing access. The Psyche frescoes are superb, and the view from the portico onto the gardens offers a welcome break after physical effort."
"With my 8-year-old daughter, we chose the Small-group guided tour option. The audio-guide was also very clear. We spent nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes contemplating Bernini's David, much more dynamic than Michelangelo's as we were explained."
"Solo, I enjoyed the tranquility of the less crowded rooms. Having downloaded the digital map in advance allowed me to directly locate Rubens' The Lamentation. The architecture itself is a work of art, with its 144 bas-reliefs catching daylight."
"The price of 83 euros is high, but the quality of the collection justifies the investment. We saw The Rapture of Proserpina in a room lit by large glazed windows. Security at the entrance takes time; you need to arrive early."
"As seniors, we appreciate calm places. This gallery is ideal because you can rest between two works. Natural light beautifully showcases Bernini's sculptures. A perfect setting for a cultural pause after a busy day in Rome."
"As foreign tourists, the French-speaking guide met our expectations regarding historical context. Caravaggio's Judith bathes in intense light that makes the chiaroscuro striking. We highly recommend booking the fast-track ticket to avoid endless lines."
"This is one of the best museum experiences of our trip. The open portico facing the gardens inspires soothing serenity. The guides were fascinating, especially about the monumental restoration that lasted 14 years. The Aldobrandini collection brings remarkable depth to the canvases."
"Although the museum is superb, the crowd in the sculpture rooms at the start of the visit can sometimes be hard to handle. We bought the standard ticket and waited 30 minutes. Nevertheless, the beauty of the painted ceilings and frescoes is well worth the logistical effort."
"We visited on the first Sunday of the month when entry is free, but booking remains mandatory. We admired Bernini's David in respectful silence. Light passing through windows specifically designed for the artworks creates a magical and unique atmosphere."
"The manageable size of the museum (about 20 rooms) allowed us an intimate experience. We had time to read each panel and truly absorb the impact of Judith beheading Holofernes. The contrast with the outdoor park via the portico is a perfect transition to end the day."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Facilitated access by elevators, check specific conditions for historical staircases.
Family
Visit possible but demanding in terms of duration, plan breaks in the adjacent gardens.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish, German, Italian
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Four centuries of art and architecture
Start of construction
Duration of the restoration
Reopening after works
Bas-reliefs on the façade
The Borghese Gallery, opened in 1997 after fourteen years of restoration, presents a remarkable private collection. Located in the Villa Borghese, it offers a compact tour centered on the works of Bernini and Caravaggio. Time slots are strict to preserve the quality of the visit.
Built from 1607, the villa was erected to house the collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. Architect Flaminio Ponzio designed a building inspired by the Villa Medici, with a portico opening directly onto the gardens. This architecture favors the natural light necessary for exhibiting the works.
Pope Paul V played a decisive role in acquiring the masterpieces, facilitating the transfer of the collection from the Borgo Palace to the villa as early as March 1613. After Ponzio's death, Giovanni Vasanzio completed the works, while Carlo Rainaldi arranged the gardens until 1620. The façade is adorned with 144 bas-reliefs and 70 busts, testifying to the family's wealth.
Closed in 1983, the gallery underwent a monumental restoration lasting fourteen years to restore its original appearance to the plasterwork and entrance staircase. It reopened its doors in June 1997. Today, the Italian State manages this public museum which preserves the integrity of its interior layout designed for lighting the paintings. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
The sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernin dominate the collection, notably David and the Sleeping Faun. These marbles benefit from carefully studied zenithal light by the architect to reveal their details. Room I, known as the Pauline Room, groups several major pieces including the Pauline by Canova, a must-see during a quick visit. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
Caravaggio's paintings offer a striking contrast with the sculptures, thanks to their chiaroscuro technique. You will also find The Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Rubens, one of the most famous in the collection. Each work is placed in a specific frame that maximizes the visual impact for the visitor. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
The frescoes by Lodovico Cigoli, such as the Story of Psyche, complete the 16th-century style interior decor. The combination of these elements creates an intimate atmosphere typical of private palaces of the time. The tour remains fluid because the number of works is deliberately limited to avoid visual fatigue. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
Booking is mandatory and time slots are strictly applied to control attendance. It is advisable to arrive fifteen minutes before the indicated time to perform ticket checks and leave your belongings in the cloakroom. Large bags and umbrellas must be left at the deposit to facilitate circulation. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
The permitted duration is generally two hours, allowing you to visit all the rooms without rushing. To avoid crowds, choose the first morning time slots or the last ones of the day. A guided tour in French can enrich your understanding of the Baroque nuances presented in the rooms. Check the ticket's practical information before your visit to prepare for a smooth museum experience.
After the visit, the gardens of the Villa Borghese offer an ideal extension to digest the works seen. The main entrance is located near the Porta Pinciana, easily accessible on foot or by bus. Remember to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to stroll through the park's shaded paths. Check the ticket practical information before your arrival to prepare your museum visit with peace of mind.
Bernini, Caravaggio and the Aldobrandini legacy
Insider tips
Time slots are strict and mandatory for access to the museum. Plan exactly 2 hours of visit and arrive 15 minutes before your departure time to avoid any stress. Do not count on staying indefinitely, as flow management is rigorous.
The skip-the-line ticket guarantees entry without waiting in line, unlike the standard ticket which may involve variable wait times. For a smooth experience, always opt for advance booking, especially during peak seasons when availability quickly becomes scarce.
Photography is allowed without flash in most rooms, but check specific signs as some temporary exhibitions prohibit any capture. Use a discreet mode to avoid disturbing other visitors and enjoy the building's abundant natural light.
Although the ticket covers 2 hours, most visitors spend 1h30 to 2h30 depending on their pace. If you are in a hurry, focus on the sculptures by Bernini on the ground floor and the paintings by Caravaggio upstairs so as not to miss anything essential.
A guided tour in French allows you to understand the historical context related to Pope Paul V and Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Guides cover highlights such as the Pauline by Canova and explain the luminous layout of the villa, significantly enriching the perception of the artworks.
Download a map of the museum before your visit to locate key works such as the Lamentation by Rubens. Have your booking QR code readily accessible on your phone, as ticket control takes place at the main entrance with no possibility of late rescheduling.
Organize your walk in the gardens of the Villa Borghese before or after your museum time slot. The park is vast and free, offering a perfect contrast with the artistic intensity of the museum. Allow at least 1 hour to appreciate the fountains and shaded paths.
The adult fee is generally around 15€ excluding service fees, but temporary exhibitions may change prices or the itinerary. Always check the current schedule before purchasing, as some tickets include only permanent access and not special events.
A cloakroom is available for large bags and umbrellas, essential for comfortable circulation. Regarding accessibility, although facilities exist, it is prudent to verify current conditions with the museum if you have specific reduced mobility needs.
Choose your tickets online and check their conditions before booking.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
In 1605, the election of Camillo Borghese under the name of Paul V triggered a frenzy of acquisitions. His nephew Scipione used this direct influence to assemble a dizzying private collection, laying the foundations of the future museum we admire today.
The building is pierced with numerous windows specifically designed to illuminate the works of art. The facade is adorned with 144 bas-reliefs and 70 busts, testifying to an architectural will to sublimate every detail with the natural light of the 17th century.
Closed in 1983, the gallery underwent a complete restoration over fourteen years. This colossal project restored the exterior to its original appearance, notably the plasterwork and the two-ramp entrance staircase, allowing a majestic reopening in June 1997.
After 1682, the Aldobrandini collection brought a major enrichment to the museum's holdings. This legacy complemented the Borghese acquisitions, creating a cohesive ensemble that blends antique and Baroque sculptures with paintings by Italian masters.
From 1607, the architect Flaminio Ponzio designed a portico opening directly onto the villa's gardens. This architectural opening, inspired by the Villa Medici, creates a fluid transition between the museum interior and the surrounding nature of the park.
Lodovico Cigoli created some of the villa's frescoes, including The Story of Psyche. These decorations reflect the characteristic style of the era and add an extra narrative layer to the visual experience offered to contemporary visitors.
Three itineraries based on available time
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Make time to explore the surrounding area
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Huge historical park ideal for a soothing walk before or after the strict museum slot. Its shaded paths offer a welcome respite between cultural visits.
10 min walk
Emblematic square with its twin churches, a perfect starting point to explore the historic center.
15 min walk
Small scientific museum located in the Oratory church, offering an interesting contrast with Baroque art. Its unique collection attracts curious nature science enthusiasts.
12 min walk
Restaurant famous for its authentic Roman cuisine, often favored by tourists after the visit.
8 min walk
Architectural gem housing major works by Raphael and Caravaggio, close to the villa. This compact museum ideally complements a cultural day in Rome.
20 min walk
Residence of French artists in residence, inspiring the architecture of the Borghese Gallery.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Saba Parcheggio Villa Borghese (8 min walk) Bus : Po/Simeto (7 min walk)
Find a hotel near Galerie Borghèse
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
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