Immerse yourself in Rome's most famous private art collection with our Borghese Gallery tour. Led by an expert in art history, this in-depth examination of the gallery features a significant portion of Cardinal Borghese's impressive art selection. Discover masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, and learn about the relationships between art, politics, and society in 17th-century Rome.

We’ll start by discussing the mastermind behind the collection—Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew to Pope Paul V—whose personal (and at times controversial) relationships with acclaimed artists and impressive purchases made the collection what it is today, while his impeccable taste and voracious eye set an incredibly high standard for private collections that followed. We'll look closely at Borghese, using him as a lens through which to understand Papal power and the politics of aristocratic Rome during the 17th century.

We’ll then move to the first of two floors in the Galleria, where the sculptures are housed. We’ll spend some time appreciating the work of Bernini, one of the most important artists of this age, and explore the tension and movement in his exquisite works like Apollo and Daphne and David. Next, we’ll head upstairs to see paintings from the renowned artists Caravaggio, Titian, Raffaello, Correggio, and Bronzino. We’ll also look at Raphael's Entombment and Titian's Sacred and Profane Love. Over the course of the visit, we will develop a better understanding of not only the art the collection contains but the intricacies and politics of art collecting during the Baroque period.  

Limited exclusively to travelers in your party, our private tours are tailor-made to provide a unique and personalized experience for you and your companions. You'll enjoy a higher degree of flexibility with scheduling, allowing you to decide when the walk best fits into your trip. Plus, we'll work with you to tailor your itinerary to match the interests and dynamics of your group, and you'll get personalized time with your guide. 

Our small group tours cover the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers. Our small groups are capped at six participants. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. 

Are tickets included?
Yes, our team will take care of the necessary reservation in advance, and you'll pay for the tickets upon booking. Your guide will collect them for you at the entrance of the museum on the day of the tour.

What are skip-the-line tickets?

For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to skip the ticket office line upon arrival at the venue. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.   

Can I take photos inside the Borghese Gallery?

Yes. Photography is permitted during the tour, but please ensure that your flash is off.

Why isn't this tour offered on Mondays?
On Mondays, the Borghese Gallery is closed to the Public. We are unable to offer tours.