The Galleria Borghese is one of the most famous museums in Rome and the world. Set inside Villa Borghese, it houses an exceptional collection of sculptures and paintings: works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Canova that attract thousands of visitors every year. Entry requires a reservation with a timed ticket. In this guide you will find useful information on how to buy tickets, opening hours, discounts and tips to make the most of your visit.
Why visit the Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese is not just a museum: it is a historic palace that reflects the taste of Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), a great collector and patron. The rooms were designed to display the works in constant dialogue with the architecture. Here you can admire masterpieces such as Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Bernini’s David, Antonio Canova’s Paolina Borghese and several paintings by Caravaggio, including Madonna of the Palafrenieri and David with the Head of Goliath. The museum is located in the Villa Borghese park, one of Rome’s green lungs, ideal for a walk before or after your visit.
The villa was built in the early 17th century to house the cardinal’s collection: ancient and modern sculpture, paintings by the great masters and works commissioned directly from artists such as Bernini and Caravaggio. Today the Galleria Borghese is run by the Italian Ministry of Culture and is an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Rome. Limited capacity and timed slots make the experience more intimate and enjoyable than in many crowded museums.
Besides the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and events. Before buying tickets it is worth checking the official website or channels for any special exhibitions that might affect opening hours or prices. In any case, the permanent collection alone deserves several hours of attention.
How tickets and booking work
Access to the Galleria Borghese is organised in two-hour time slots (9–11, 11–1, 1–3, 3–5, 5–7). Each slot has a maximum number of visitors, so booking is mandatory and it is best to buy tickets in advance, especially in peak season. The ticket includes entry to the permanent collection. You can book via the museum’s official website or via authorised platforms that offer skip-the-line tickets and instant confirmation. On our site you will find a widget to check availability and open dates: by clicking the CTA button you will be redirected to our partner to complete your purchase securely.
Prices and ticket types
The full-price ticket is around €15, plus a fixed booking fee (around €2). Reduced rates apply for visitors aged 18–25 (reduced ticket €2 plus booking fee) and free admission for under-18s and other categories under the regulations, always subject to mandatory booking. For students and for conditions for free or reduced entry we recommend the student tickets page and the Galleria Borghese opening hours page to plan your visit according to actual days and times.
“Last slot” tickets at a reduced price (around €10 plus booking fee) are also available, subject to availability. Guided tours, bookable through authorised operators, cost more but often include the entrance ticket and an expert art-history guide. For families and groups it is best to book well in advance to secure places in the same time slot.
Location and how to get there
The Galleria Borghese is at Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5, inside the Villa Borghese park. By metro, get off at Flaminio (Line A) and walk through the park for about 1.5 km; alternatively you can reach the area by bus serving the Pinciano district. Allow some time for the walk through the park and for any queue at the ticket office if you do not already have a pre-booked ticket.
Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s largest urban parks. The walk from Flaminio to the Galleria is pleasant and takes you past fountains, gardens and other park buildings. If you prefer to avoid the walk, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing to the immediate vicinity of the Piazzale. Cloakroom and bookshop are available near the museum.
Practical tips for your visit
Wear comfortable shoes: there are many rooms to see and each time slot lasts two hours. Bags and backpacks can be left in the cloakroom. Flash photography is not allowed. To avoid disappointment, book in advance and choose a time when you can visit at ease: the first morning slot or late afternoon are often less busy. For a deeper experience you can book a guided tour through partners that offer tours in English or other languages.
Bring a valid ID: it may be required if you have a reduced or free ticket. Minors must be accompanied. If you have special access needs, we recommend contacting the museum in advance for information on routes and facilities. The Galleria Borghese is a compact but very rich museum: two hours is enough for a full, unhurried visit focusing on the main works.
After your visit, take advantage of the park for a break: Villa Borghese offers gardens, a lake and refreshments. Nearby you will also find other points of interest such as the Pincio Terrace and the Bioparco, useful for planning a full day in the northern part of central Rome.
Summary: Galleria Borghese tickets in Rome
In short: to visit the Galleria Borghese in Rome you need to buy a ticket with mandatory reservation. Tickets are available online on the official website or through authorised resellers; our site is an informative guide and lets you check availability and be redirected to a trusted partner to purchase. Remember to check opening hours and any special closures and to bring valid ID if you have used a reduction or free entry.
Frequently asked questions about tickets
Is booking mandatory?
Yes. Entry is only allowed with a ticket booked for a specific time slot. Without a reservation you cannot enter the museum.
How long does the visit last?
Each slot lasts two hours. This is the recommended time to visit the Galleria Borghese at a relaxed pace.
Can I buy a ticket on the spot?
In theory yes, but in practice slots are often sold out. It is always best to buy tickets online in advance.
For more information on hours, prices or concessions see the student tickets and opening hours pages. To contact us: info@galleriaborghese.guide. Remember: this is not the official Galleria Borghese website; we are an independent guide and bookings are handled by the partners we link to.