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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

Closed today

VISITORS PER YEAR

399999

TICKETS

From $45.21

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)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

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.

What makes the Borghese Gallery a must-visit in Rome?

  • Masterpieces galore: The Borghese Gallery, or Galleria Borghese, is home to some of the most exquisite artworks from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It offers a deep dive into the genius of legendary artists like Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael and Titian.
  • Rare finds: It boasts unique collections not seen elsewhere, such as the largest assembly of Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in the world. Its exclusivity makes it a must-visit for those seeking to experience the pinnacle of Italian artistry.
  • Baroque beauty: Housed inside Villa Pinciana, the gallery itself is an architectural masterpiece. Originally, the villa was built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Its design exemplifies the lavishness and detail-oriented style of Baroque architecture, making it a visual delight in its own right.
  • Oasis of calm: Unlike the often crowded museums in the city, the Borghese Gallery offers a more tranquil and intimate setting due to its visitor cap. Its setting within the lush Villa Borghese gardens also adds to its serenity. Visitors can combine an art museum visit with leisurely strolls through one of Rome's most beautiful parks, making for a perfect day out.

​Explore the wider Villa Borghese estate

What to see at the Borghese Gallery?

Sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Bernini is one of the most renowned sculptors of the Baroque era, who mastered the art of lifelike detail and dynamic movement in his figures. Notable statues in the gallery include David, Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne, and Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius.

Paintings by Caravaggio

This revolutionary painter of the Baroque period is known for his innovative use of light and dark to create dramatic scenes. Boy with a Basket of Fruit showcases his mastery of realism. David with the Head of Goliath is a powerful portrayal of a biblical story, depicting the victorious underdog holding the severed head of his enemy.

Paintings by Raphael

Raphael was a prominent figure of the Italian Renaissance celebrated for his technical proficiency. Witness a masterful use of color and composition in treasured works like the Portrait of a Young Woman, also known as La Fornarina.

Artworks by Rubens, Titian and Botticelli

The Borghese museum features several other notable artworks by acclaimed Renaissance artists such as Rubens Pieter Paul, Vecellio Titian and Sandro Botticelli. Rubens' exquisitely detailed paintings reflect his passion for tone and movement, Titian had a penchant for highly realistic portraits, and Botticelli's creations evoke a sense of ethereal beauty.

Apollo and Daphne by Bernini

Apollo and Daphne by Bernini

A dramatic statue capturing the moment Daphne transforms into a laurel tree to escape the pursuing Apollo.

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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.

​Detailed Borghese Gallery history

Who built the Borghese Gallery?

Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery was built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio for Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the early 17th century. The villa was designed to be a showcase for the cardinal's extensive art collection, and its architecture and design reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the period.

Ponzio was one of the leading architects of the time and was known for his innovative designs and use of decorative elements. His work on the Borghese Gallery is considered to be one of his most important achievements.

Architecture of Borghese Gallery

A collaboration of artisans

This museum, inside Villa Pinciana, is celebrated as a pivotal example of Baroque period architecture. It is characterized by its elaborate façade adorned with Corinthian columns, pediments, and a harmonious blend of orders and pilasters.

The interiors of the villa are equally magnificent. Exquisite frescoes by Giovanni Lanfranco adorn the walls and ceilings painted by Domenichino, each element adding to the overall splendor and opulence of the environment.

In 1903, the villa transitioned from a private residence into a museum, following its acquisition by the Italian state. Despite this transformation, the Borghese Gallery has preserved its original beauty and elegance, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the legacy of the Borghese family.

A note about Villa Pinciana

Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the construction of Villa Pinciana to house his burgeoning art collection. This treasure trove of Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces would eventually evolve into what we know as the Borghese Gallery today.

The villa was designed with an artistic suit where the Cardinal threw lavish garden parties to showcase his artworks. Comprising two floors and 20 rooms worth of paintings, sculptures and other art works, Villa Pinciana is open to the public and showcases a glorious fusion of art, architecture and nature. It hosts public exhibitions and distinguished artistic events, attracting art lovers and tourists from around the world.

Frequently asked questions about Borghese Gallery

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.

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