Situated within a former Borghese family villa, the gallery has 20 rooms – with classical antiquities and sculptures on the ground floor and paintings by famous artists on the first floor. Once a Cardinal's private collection, it is now a must-see...
Founded On
1903
Founded By
Cardinal Scipione Borghese
ADDRESS
Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
09:00–19:00
VISITORS PER YEAR
399999
TICKETS
From $35.42
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
The gallery once housed masterpieces stolen by Napoleon from conquered cities. While most were returned, a few, like Canova's 'Pauline Bonaparte', remain as reminders of the gallery's turbulent past.
It is believed that Caravaggio gifted the painting 'David with the Head of Goliath' to Pope Paul V. It was an act of pardon for killing a man in a barfight and absconding for some years.
The Borghese Gallery has a third floor which is a storeroom containing over 260 paintings that could not find space in the Gallery.
Borghese Gallery Tickets
Borghese Gallery Small-Group Guided Tour
Combo: Borghese Gallery + Castel Sant'Angelo Tickets
Combo: Borghese Gallery + Pantheon Tickets
A dramatic statue capturing the moment Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape the pursuing Apollo.
1605: Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, begins acquiring land in Rome to establish the Villa Borghese estate.
1613-1616: Construction of the Villa Borghese Pinciana, the building that would house the Borghese Gallery, commences under architect Flaminio Ponzio and is completed by Giovanni Vasanzio after Ponzio's death.
17th century: Cardinal Scipione Borghese amasses a vast art collection, including works by Caravaggio, Bernini and Titian, marking the beginning of the Borghese Gallery's renowned collection.
1807: Camillo Borghese, Prince of Sulmona and later Prince Camillo Borghese, sells a significant portion of the collection, including 154 paintings, to Napoleon in order to settle debts. These works become part of the foundation for the Louvre's collection.
1902: The Borghese estate and the remaining art collection are acquired by the Italian government.
1903: The Borghese Gallery is officially opened to the public.
It’s not impossible, but due to the richness of the collection and the detailed nature of the artworks, it's challenging to fully absorb everything in a single visit. To make the most of your experience, we recommend focusing on specific sections or artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and works by Rubens, Titian and Botticelli. You can explore their works in the two-hour window you’re allotted.
The Borghese Gallery houses a remarkable concentration of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces within a single, historic setting. It's particularly renowned for its collection of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings, offering an unparalleled depth of works from these artists in an intimate environment.
Absolutely! While famous works by Caravaggio and Bernini draw much attention, don't miss the Gallery's collection of Raphael's paintings and lesser-known but exquisite pieces like the "Danaë" by Correggio, each offering a unique glimpse into the art history's evolution.
The core collection was meticulously assembled by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century, who was an avid art collector and patron. He commissioned and acquired artworks directly from artists, leveraging his position and wealth to gather one of the most impressive art collections of his time.
The Borghese Gallery rotates its exhibits to rest certain pieces and showcase others. If your favorite artwork isn't on display, inquire about its return at the information desk or plan a future visit. Meanwhile, take the opportunity to discover new pieces. In fact, as of now, part of its collection has now moved to Palazzo Barberini.
Consider booking a guided tour for expert insights into the gallery's masterpieces and history. Also, downloading the gallery's app or renting an audio guide can enrich your self-guided tour with detailed commentary on the artwork.
Entry to the Villa Borghese Gardens is free and does not require a ticket. Visitors are encouraged to explore the gardens before or after their gallery visit for a complete experience of the Villa Borghese estate.
Rome is filled with artistic treasures. Following your visit, consider exploring other notable sites like the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums, or the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna for a broader understanding of Italy's rich artistic legacy.
