The Borghese Gallery and Museum

The Borghese Gallery is an elegant palace with remarkable artworks from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is mandatory for visiting and extremely popular among English speakers. Moreover, the Gallery is considered one of the most famed art museums worldwide.

The Gallery attracts visitors, and impressive gardens surround it and the third largest park in Rome, where Galleria Borghese is located. Unfortunately, the collaboration with Roma Pass has stopped today, so do not forget to buy tickets to the Gallery separately in advance.

Interesting Facts about Borghese Gallery

Here are 7 interesting and surprising facts about the Borghese Gallery. Memorize a few and surprise your friends during a self-guided visit:

1. The Borghese Gallery, established in 1903, owes its existence to the private collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. As the nephew of Pope Paul V, Scipione played a pivotal role as a patron of Baroque artists, notably Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Caravaggio. His collection, comprising over 800 sculptures and paintings, stands as a testament to his influential patronage in the early 17th-century art world.
2. The villa, a masterpiece of architectural design, was initially conceptualized by Flaminio Ponzio in 1605 and later completed by Giovanni Vasanzio. Drawing inspiration from Renaissance architecture, the villa boasts contributions from renowned architects like Carlo Rainaldi. Its intricate façade, adorned with classical motifs, serves as a testament to the Cardinal’s penchant for opulence and grandeur.
3. The Gallery is celebrated for its extensive collection of Bernini sculptures, which are considered some of the artist’s finest works. Notable among these are masterpieces like “Apollo and Daphne” (1622-1625) and “David” (1623-1624). These sculptures, with their dynamic movement and intricate details, are a testament to Bernini’s mastery and his significant contribution to the Baroque art movement.
4. Among the Gallery’s treasures is Caravaggio’s earliest known work, “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” (circa 1593). Painted when Caravaggio was just 17 years old, this piece highlights his emerging talent and revolutionary approach to realism and chiaroscuro, which would later define his career.
5. Antonio Canova’s “Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix” (1805-1808) is one of the Gallery’s most famous sculptures. Depicting Napoleon’s sister Pauline Bonaparte reclining on a couch as Venus, this neoclassical masterpiece reflects Canova’s skill in creating lifelike marble sculptures and his influence on 19th-century art.
6. In 1807, Prince Camillo Borghese sold 344 artworks from the Borghese collection to Napoleon. These pieces, which include works by Titian, Raphael, and Rubens, were transferred to the Louvre Museum in Paris. This sale significantly impacted the composition of the Borghese collection, yet the Gallery remains one of Rome’s most prestigious art museums.
7. The Borghese Gallery is not just a museum but a living testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Italy. The Italian government recognized its importance and purchased the villa and its collection in 1902, officially opening the Borghese Gallery as a public museum in 1903. This transition ensured the preservation and accessibility of the collection, allowing the public to appreciate its historical and artistic value. The Museum’s policy of limiting the number of visitors and requiring advance reservations provides a more intimate and enjoyable experience for art enthusiasts while also ensuring the preservation of these priceless artworks for future generations.

Last Minute Tickets to Borghese Gallery

The Galleria Borghese is one of the most impressive museums in the world. Undoubtedly, it will be interesting for people of all ages to visit. However, since it is trendy, booking in advance is mandatory, and you won’t be able to go in without a pre-paid admission ticket.

Depending on the season, the price is from 16 to 30 euros for adults + 2 euros for the booking fee and 2 euros for children under 18 years old (so only the booking fee is paid). E.U. citizens from 18 to 25 years old have a reduced ticket cost option of 15 euros + 4 euros (Service and Presale fee). However, I advise you to book a ticket in advance to ensure that tickets for your date aren’t sold out.

The admission charge may be higher when there are temporary exhibitions. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged.

History of Borghese Gallery

Previously, the Villa Borghese on Pincian Hill was the summer residence of the influential Borghese family. Commissioned in the early 17th century, it was designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio, who took inspiration from the villa’s namesake, Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577 – 1633), a passionate art collector and patron of the arts.

In 1605, Scipione’s uncle, Camillo Borghese, ascended to the papacy as Pope Paul V, significantly increasing the family’s prominence. As a result, Scipione Borghese, who was appointed Cardinal, further expanded and decorated the Galleria, creating an exceptional collection of art that reflected his refined tastes.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Borghese Gallery continued to evolve, with the addition of Baroque and Neoclassical works, as well as beautiful frescoes and architectural details. The collection included pieces by celebrated artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Titian, making it a highly sought-after destination for art enthusiasts.

In the early 19th century, when Rome was under French rule, Prince Camillo Borghese married Napoleon’s sister, Paolina Bonaparte. In 1807, the prince ceded approximately 500 pieces of art from the Borghese Gallery to Napoleon. Many of these artworks can now be found in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Despite these losses, the Borghese Gallery remained an important center for art and culture. In 1902, the Borghese family sold the villa and its remaining masterpieces to the Italian government. The villa and Gallery were then transformed into a public museum, ensuring that the priceless collection would be preserved and accessible to future generations.

Today, the Borghese Gallery stands as a testament to the legacy of the Borghese family and their enduring contributions to the world of art. Visitors can marvel at the exquisite collection, which spans centuries and includes works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Rubens, and Canova, all housed within the stunning architectural masterpiece of the Villa Borghese.

The Borghese Gallery has many masterpieces, such as ancient sculptures and marvelous collections.

The Galleria Borghese has a substantial part of the collection begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577 – 1633), who was a nephew of Pope Paul V.

It was called the most beautiful collection globally and was assembled in 1607 by Cardinal Borghese. Moreover, it was considered one of the largest collections of his time. The first set of paintings consisted of Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Rubens, and Botticelli masterpieces. Talking about his collection of ancient sculptures, the extraordinary mixture of modern and classical statuaries made it universal and impressive.

From 1615 to 1623, Gian Lorenzo Bernini executed his favorite artworks for the Cardinal. You can still find them in the Galleria Borghese: the Aeneas and Anchises, the Rape of Prosperina, the David, and the Apollo and Daphne. These masterpieces are placed in the middle of every room and link the entire decorative theme. Moreover, they have never been moved.

The ground floor represents works of classic antiquities from the first to the third centuries A.D. There, you will find marvelous sculptures and impressive mosaics and frescoes that decorate the walls and ceilings. Moreover, the décor consists of marble, inlays, stuccowork, and different insertions of antiquity.

The works are displayed in the 20 rooms with frescoes.

Also, more than 260 paintings are located in the Galleria Borghese’s storage rooms, which can be visited upon booking. Significantly, for security reasons, access to the Museum is limited to two hours with a maximum of 360 people at a time.

Main Art Works – What Must Be Seen?

Watch my video about Borghese Collection.

There are many essential and notable paintings, sculptures, statues, and busts in the Borghese Museum.

Here’s the list of the most famous and distinguished artworks created by worldwide known artists.

Pauline Bonaparte

Portrait of Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix by Antonio Canova is located in Room I. Pauline Bonaparte, the sister of Napoleon is depicted with the golden apple in her left hand, thanks to which Paris started to consider her beauty as being more significant than other two goddesses: Juno and Minerva.

At the time of its creation, nude statues of the aristocracy were uncommon, and it is said that Camillo Borghese permitted close friends to view the artwork, and only by candlelight

David by Bernini

David is a life-size marble statue by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Its creation took seven months, from 1623 to 1624. David is the biblical character who is about to throw the stone that will hit Goliath so that David will behead him. It is located in Room I.

Apollo and Daphne

Apollo and Daphne is another masterpiece by Bernini, located in Room III. The sculpture was commissioned in 1622 when Giuliano Finetti assisted Bernini. The nymph became a symbol of virtue because of the late 15th-century moralizations by Christians on the mythological topic of Apollo and Daphne. The artwork represents Daphne and Phoebus in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. 

The Rape of Prosperina

The Rape of Prosperina is one of the most famous artworks in the Gallery, located in Room IV. This is another sculpture from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. It represents the moment when Prosperina, the daughter of Ceres and Jupiter, is abducted by Plato, the underworld king. Bernini created the statue in 1621-1622 when he was just 23 years old.

Truth Revealed by Time

The Truth Revealed by Time by Bernini is located in Room VI. The statue belongs to the sculptural group that was never finished. Moreover, when Bernini died, the artist’s heirs sold the large marble block dedicated to creating Time in Flight and the Revealer of Truth.

Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius

Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius statue by Bernini represent the figures of the father, son, and grandson. There is a reference to the theme of the three ages of man. It is located in Room VI. The artwork depicts a scene from the Aeneid, where the hero, Aeneas, leads his family from burning Troy.

Madonna and Child with St. Anne

Madonna and Child with St. Anne (dei Palafrenieri) are mature religious works by Caravaggio. It was painted in 1605-1606 for the Altar in the Basilica of Saint Peter. The painting was exhibited in several places before Scipione Borghese bought it. Madonna dei Palafrenieri represents a theological concept of importance in humanized terms by depicting St Anne, the embodiment of divine grace, in a role of passive detachment. It is located in Room VIII.

Boy with a Basket of Fruit

Boy with a Basket of Fruit is one of the most famous artworks by Caravaggio, located in Room VIII. The painting dates to the beginning of the career of the notable master. Moreover, the model for the boy in the painting was a friend of Caravaggio, Mario Minniti. He was only 16 at the time and might fill in as one of Caravaggio’s models later on.

The Deposition by Raphael

Raphael’s Deposition, also known as The Entombment, is an artwork from 1507. It was completed when the artist was only 24 years old. The painting was commissioned as an Altarpiece by a Perugian noblewoman. Moreover, the faces of suffering allude to the family’s grief, while the representation of the fainting Virgin Mary on the right side is a remark to the patron. It is located in Room IX.

Young Woman with Unicorn

Young Woman with Unicorn by Raphael is a painting from 1505-1506, located in Room IX. In 1760, the subject of the masterpiece was identified as Saint Catherine of Alexandria and referred to as Perugino. Moreover, the unicorn is considered a symbol of purity. 

The composition of the artwork was inspired by the Mona Lisa

The Bust of Cardinal Borghese

The Bust of Cardinal Borghese exists in two versions, both done in 1632. If you look closer, you will notice a crack in the head of the first version made by Bernini. Since CaCardinalas is a good friend of the artist, he remade the sculpture in 15 days, which is similar in details, so it isn’t easy to find differences. It is located in Room XIV.

The Hunt of Diana

The Hunt of Diana by Domenico Zampieri was created in 1616-1617, and today, it is located in Room XIX in the Borghese Gallery. Diana is the Roman goddess of the hunt and protector of children. Her Greek equivalent is Artemis. The painting represents Diana and her nymphs connected to the archery contest of book five in Virgil’s Aeneid. 

Portrait of a Man by Raphael

Raphael’s Portrait of a Man was created in 1502 and is located in Room XX. Previously, it has been attributed to Hans Holbein and Perugino. The portrait probably contains an embodiment of a duke, where the expression is highly vivid, and the approach is quite different from the realistic style of the northern artists.

Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina

Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina contains a man with a gaze, which constitutes the most intriguing feature of the artwork. It is one of the masterpieces of the artist’s mature period. The man is dressed in a red tunic and a black cap typical of Venetian patricians. In addition, the artist spent two years of his life in Venice, where he created this painting. It is located in Room XX.

Sacred and Profane Love

Sacred and Profane Love is one of Titian’s most famous works, which was created in 1514. Today, it is located in Room XX of the Borghese Gallery. The painting contains the bride dressed in white beside Cupid and the goddess Venus.

The Triumph of Galatea

The Emperor’s Room in the Borghese Gallery includes the 18 polyphony and alabaster busts of the Twelve Caesars, various replicas, and the goddess Juno. In the center of the room is the Triumph of Galatea, daughter of Nereus, who is desired by the cyclops Polyphemus on the left side and loved by the shepherd Acis, embodied on the right side.

La Fornarina

Raphael’s painting is the Portrait of a Young Woman, also known as La Fornarina. It was created in 1520 and is located in Room IX. The woman in the painting is identified as the Fornarina (daughter of a baker) Margherita Luti, Raphael’s Roman lover. There are many different versions of why she covers her left breast in the painting. One of them suggests that the right hand on the left breast is connected to the cancerous breast tumor, while another reveals to the last fed her child on, where the child is being Raphael’s.

Dancing Satyr

Dancing Satyr is a restoration by Thorvaldsen, located in Room VIII. The original sculpture from which this cast is taken was restored in the 19th century. The face shows that the Satyr was playing the flute. However, Thorvaldsen ignored this fact and decided to change the artwork according to his vision.

David with the Head of Goliath

David with the Head of Goliath by Caravaggio has been dated 1605-1610. The sword in David’s grasp conveys a shortened H-AS OS, translated from the Latin “humilitas occidit superbiam” as “humility kills pride.” The depiction of the story of David and Goliath was commissioned by CaCardinalimself and is thought to be at the same time when Caravaggio killed a man and was sentenced to death by the Pope. It caused him to move away from the city. Thus, the masterpiece’s dark nature is considered a self-portrait. 

The Deposition by Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens is called the Genius of European Baroque. The Deposition artwork was created during his first coming to Rome. The masterpiece shows an impressive interpretation of the theme of the incarnation of the divine and human nature of Christ, hanging in between death and potential future life. It is located in Room XVIII.

Read also about the Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Where to Eat Near Borghese Gallery

Here are three highly-rated restaurants near the Borghese Gallery, offering a range of delicious Italian cuisine:

1. Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art (4.2 stars): A unique vegetarian restaurant that combines excellent food with an art gallery ambiance, located at Via Margutta, 118, just a 13-minute walk from the Gallery.
2. Pauline Borghese Restaurant (4.5 stars): A refined restaurant offering gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, located at Via G. Frescobaldi, 5, about a 15-minute walk from the Gallery.
3. Spazio Niko Romito Bar e Cucina Roma (4.1 stars): This is an exceptional dining experience in Rome, showcasing the culinary expertise of renowned Italian chef Niko Romito. Located at Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, 9/E, near the Borghese Gallery, the restaurant offers a contemporary and stylish ambiance, perfect for a relaxing meal. The menu features a selection of innovative Italian dishes, carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients and techniques. Diners can indulge in delicious pasta, seafood, and meat courses, as well as a tempting array of desserts. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, wines, and other beverages, making it an ideal spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Things to Know Before Visit Borghese Gallery

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

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