# Galleria Borghese — Rome, Italy

> Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the villa in 1605 to display his extraordinary collection of antique and contemporary art. The Italian state acquired the collection in 1902 and opened it as a public museum the following year.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Admission: €13 standard admission
- Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Official website: https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Apollo and Daphne — Gian Lorenzo Bernini · 1622–1625
- Pluto and Proserpina — Gian Lorenzo Bernini · 1621–1622
- Boy with a Basket of Fruit — Caravaggio · c. 1593
- The Deposition — Raphael · 1507

## FAQ
**Are visits really limited to two hours?**
Yes, every visitor is assigned a two-hour slot — booking ahead is mandatory.

**Is the Borghese gardens park free?**
Yes, the surrounding park is open to the public free of charge.

**How long should I spend at Galleria Borghese?**
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Galleria Borghese best known for?**
Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the villa in 1605 to display his extraordinary collection of antique and contemporary art. The Italian state acquired the collection in 1902 and opened it as a public museum the following year. Key highlights include Bernini sculpture — Apollo and Daphne, Pluto and Proserpina, David, Caravaggio paintings — six works including Boy with a Basket of Fruit, Raphael — The Deposition and Lady with a Unicorn.

**How do I get tickets for Galleria Borghese?**
€13 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/

**How far ahead must I book Galleria Borghese tickets?**
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekday slots; 4–6 weeks for Saturdays and spring/autumn. Tickets release on the official website and sell out quickly. Third-party resellers charge significant markups — always book at galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it.

**What happens if I miss my timed slot?**
Your ticket is valid only for the assigned two-hour window. Late arrivals may be denied entry with no refund. Arrive 15 minutes early to collect tickets and use the cloakroom. Re-entry is not permitted once you leave.

**Can I see the Bernini sculptures without booking?**
No — all entry to the Galleria Borghese requires advance booking. There is no way to see the Bernini sculptures without a timed ticket. The park outside is free, but the villa and its collection are accessible only with a reservation.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/galleria-borghese/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.