The Borghese Gallery in Rome

Nestled in a sumptuous 17^th-century palace amid vast gardens, the Borghese Gallery is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prestigious museums!

Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of Captain Ulysses’ top picks in Rome. In a word: unmissable!

⚠️ Note: The Borghese Gallery is accessible only by reservation. You can book your tickets by phone or online: skip-the-line tickets for the Borghese Gallery.

A Brief History of the Borghese Gallery

The Villa Borghese

Origins of the Villa Borghese

At the end of the 16^th century, the Borghese family was one of the richest and most powerful families in Italy. Originally from Siena, they acquired vast lands north of Rome, gradually transforming them into expansive gardens.

In the early 17^th century, Cardinal Camillo Borghese was elected Pope and ruled as Paul V until 1621.

The Borghese family then undertook major development work on the land they had acquired. They built a luxurious villa inspired by the Villa Medici and Villa Farnesina. The work was initially entrusted to architect Flaminio Ponzio, then continued by Giovanni Vasanzio after Ponzio’s death.

Renovations Restorations

At the end of the 18^th century, the Villa Borghese was completely renovated and decorated with frescoes, stucco, and opulent marble decor.

In 1902, the Borghese family’s finances were in decline. The Italian state purchased the villa and its collections, turning it into a museum: the Borghese Gallery.

In 1983, the museum closed for extensive restoration. After 14 long years, it reopened in 1997. Today, the Borghese Gallery is considered one of the most prestigious museums in the world.

The Borghese Gallery Collections

Origins of the Borghese Gallery Collections

The Borghese family were avid art collectors.

Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Camillo Borghese (Pope Paul V), assembled one of the world’s largest collections of Italian art in the 17^th century. A passionate admirer of Bernini and Caravaggio, Scipione Borghese acquired numerous works by Italian masters.

At the end of the century, Gianbattista Borghese, his descendant, inherited half of the Aldobrandini family collection from his mother, Olimpia Aldobrandini. These works complemented the already overflowing Borghese collections.

The other half of the Aldobrandini collection went to Gianbattista Borghese’s half-brother, Gianbattista Pamphilj, and can now be seen at the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.

The Collections Since the 19^th Century

In the 19^th century, the Borghese family’s fortunes declined. Under pressure from Napoleon I^, Camille Borghese, married to Napoleon’s sister Pauline Bonaparte (whose famous statue by Antonio Canova is one of the gallery’s highlights), sold part of the collection to France. After Napoleon’s fall, some works were returned to the Borghese family.

In 1833, to protect the collections, Francesco Borghese signed a fideicommissum making it impossible to disperse the works.

In 1902, the Italian state acquired the collections amassed by the Borghese family along with the villa.

Visiting the Borghese Gallery

⚠️ Reminder: The Borghese Gallery is accessible only by reservation. You can book your tickets by phone or online: skip-the-line tickets for the Borghese Gallery.

The Villa Borghese

Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the palace itself is worth the visit! The Villa Borghese boasts around twenty richly decorated rooms open to the public. The double ramp entrance staircase is a true marvel!

The Borghese Gallery Collections

Sculptures

It would be impossible to list all the sculptures displayed in the Borghese Gallery. The collections span several millennia, from antiquity to the 19^th century, and are truly astonishing in their richness.

Don’t miss the Portrait of Pauline Borghese (Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister) depicted as Venus Victrix, or the numerous works by Bernini: David, The Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne… True masterpieces!

Paintings

The painting collection is equally impressive. Among the most iconic artists featured in the Borghese Gallery are:

• Raphael
• Caravaggio
• Titian
• Jan Bruegel
• Paul Rubens
• Veronese
• Giorgione
• Correggio
• Perugino
• Guercino

In short, the crème de la crème!

Is the Borghese Gallery a Must-Visit?

To this question, there’s only one possible answer: YES in all caps! The Borghese Gallery is one of the most beautiful museums in Rome and ranks among the world’s finest.

It’s a must-see for any visitor to the Italian capital (and it’s one of Captain Ulysses’ top recommendations in Rome)!

Practical Information

The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

The nearest metro station is Piazza di Spagna (Line A). Numerous public buses also stop near the gallery, as well as hop-on, hop-off tourist buses.

Tickets for the Borghese Gallery Guided Tours

⚠️ Note: Due to its popularity, the Borghese Gallery is accessible only by reservation. You can book your tickets by phone or online.

For more information: skip-the-line tickets for the Borghese Gallery.

If you don’t want to miss any of the treasures in the Borghese Gallery, Captain Ulysses highly recommends this guided tour: guided tour of the Borghese Gallery (available in several languages).