How to skip the line at the Borghese Gallery

The Galleria Borghese is one of Rome’s most hauntingly beautiful museums: not just for its contents but also the building itself is a work of art. The Renaissance palazzo and its surroundings in the sumptuous Villa Borghese park house an unrivalled collection of priceless paintings. and the world’s motherlode of the works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Often skipped over in favor of the larger Vatican Museums just over the river, to miss this museum would be a mistake, as it provides the most perfect Rome experience: the apotheosis of artistic triumph in sumptuous surroundings, but one that is off the beaten tourist path.

Better still, Galleria Borghese limits the number of people inside the gallery at any given time to 100 (a must in the time of Covid-19 – see below for specific Covid rules for the gallery), which guarantees a more thoughtful experience for the visitor, rather than the shocking crowds that one may find in some of Rome’s other attractions.

Detail of the carving on the abduction of Prosperpina by Pluto - Bernini - Galleria Borghese - Rome Vacation Tips — One of the most remarkable aspects of the sculpture that portrays the Greek legend of Pluto’s kidnap of Ceres’ daughter is the apparent softness of Proserpina’s flesh beneath the grasping hand of the god of the underworld, perfectly hewn from solid marble.

Apollo and Daphne - Bernini - Galleria Borghese - Rome Vacation Tips — Apollo and Daphne is another marble masterpiece from Bernini. The god chases the nymph, who becomes a tree to escape his clutches. Completed in 1625 when Bernini was 24, it was one of four works originally commissioned when he was only 18.

Reimagined ancient Roman sculpture: satyr and dolphin - Galleria Borghese - Rome Vacation Tips — Not all sculpture in the Galleria Borghese is by Bernini. This ancient Roman sculpture depicts a satyr in battle with a vicious dolphin.

See more of Rome Vacation Tips’ photos of the gallery’s priceless masterpieces >

Rules for visiting the Galleria Borghese

You may not buy tickets in person – they must be booked online (see below).
When you arrive at the gallery, you will need to exchange your email voucher for a ticket. You do this at the temporary buildings that are past the main entrance.
You will need to deposit all bags at the cloakroom, which is in the temporary building next door to the ticket office.
You do not need to show a vaccination certificate or proof of Covid-19 status to enter.
Masks are no longer required to be worn in the gallery.

Galleria Borghese key info

For special visiting rules due to Covid-19, please see below.

Visit times

Tuesday – Sunday
9 am – 11 am
11 am – 1 pm
1 pm – 3 pm
3 pm – 5 pm
5 pm – 7 pm
Gallery closed Mondays

Address
Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5
00197 Roma, Italia

Nearest metro: Flaminio (Linea A)

What you need to know about booking a visit to Galleria Borghese

All visits to Galleria Borghese must be booked in advance.
There are no lines at the gallery to skip – you must turn up at the gallery entrance just before the time you have booked, and then you will be allowed inside in your small cohort.
You can not bring any bags in, though cameras are allowed.
You have two hours to visit, after which time you must leave.
Please see below for special rules during the pandemic.

How to book tickets to the Borghese Gallery

Without any shadow of a doubt, a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery is the best way to visit it. There is so much astounding genius within that of course can be appreciated on its own merits, but someone who knows the history and techniques of the masterpieces will bring the entire place alive for you and create a visit like no other.
Try to negotiate the official ticketing site – the interface is alas confusing and poorly designed, and tickets are often sold out weeks in advance.
Grab a last minute ticket – resellers have a decent website and tickets are often available at short notice or are offered for dates the official site doesn’t yet display.
If you have a Roma Pass, or qualify for a free ticket (see below), bear in mind that though the Gallery is free, you must still book your visit in advance, which will incur a booking fee of €2 for most people (but waived for groups marked with a * below). To book a free tour with a Roma Pass, or for any other inquiries or concessions, you must call this number: +39 06 32810 (lines open from 9 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 1 pm Sat) to check availability.

Eligibility for free tickets to the Borghese Gallery

EU citizens who are:

Under 18 years of age.
Disabled, plus one helper.*
Students and instructors of Fine Arts Academies or equivalent.
Students and instructors of higher education institutes in humanities and philosophy departments, or equivalent departments and courses, in courses concerned with architecture, conservation of cultural heritage, education, degree courses in humanities or literary subjects with a focus on archaeology, history or art history.
Qualified tour guides performing their professional activity.*
Credentialed journalists.*

Citizens of non-EU countries: if your country has a reciprocal arrangement with the EU (please consult your own government’s cultural department for information).

*Eligible to waive the €2 booking fee

Eligibility for reduced tickets to the Borghese Gallery

EU citizens between 18-25 years of age
Citizens of countries with a reciprocal arrangement with the EU.