Borghese Gallery Tour: A Guided Crash Course with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Discover Masterpieces of 17th Century Rome, hosted by an Art Historian
From US$557 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Borghese Gallery
Photos & Highlights
  • Explore masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini
  • Enjoy easy access with advance ticket reservations and a private expert in art history
Select a date
Tour Description
A triumph of gold, marble, and ostentation, during a period of enormous wealth, intrigue, and politics. This is the essence of the Roman Baroque, and this is what you will find within the walls of the Borghese Gallery.

Once the private art collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of the wealthiest, most powerful, and most controversial individuals in 17th-century Rome, the Borghese Gallery is today one of the most stunning art galleries in the world, housing some of the greatest works of art ever created.

Led by an expert in art history, this in-depth tour of the gallery features a significant portion of Cardinal Borghese's exceptional art selection. Discover masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, learn about the complex relationships between art, politics, and society at the time, and gain insight into Papal power and the politics of aristocratic Rome during the Baroque era.

With each step, the Borghese Gallery unveils layers of history, culture, and artistic genius just waiting to be discovered. Let yourself be captured by the dramatic work of Bernini, one of the most important artists of this era, and immerse yourself in the tension and movement of Apollo and Daphne, the dynamism and concentration of David, the exquisite detail, and emotional intensity of Proserpina's Abduction.


  • You want more than simply the idea behind great works of art. You'd like to gain a better grasp of the complexities and the society that created these masterpieces.  
  • You've been to Rome before and you have overlooked or missed the Borghese Gallery. This time, you want to get a better understanding from an expert who can help you make the most of your visit. 
  • You want easy access to one of Rome's most demanded museums. You prefer the convenience of a private tour that takes you straight to the security gates.

  • Borghese Gallery

Tickets

Our visit to the Borghese Gallery includes advance entry tickets, which allow you to skip the general ticket office line. Your guide will collect the tickets at the entrance of the museum on the day of the tour. You may still have to wait in a shorter security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned. 

Please Note: From March 29th, 2024, to July 14th, 2024, the Borghese Gallery's second floor will be closed for renovation. Your expert will adapt the itinerary accordingly to include additional stops that further enrich your Borghese tour experience. Some paintings unavailable for viewing will be exhibited at Palazzo Barberini. Entrance to this exhibition will be discounted for Borghese Gallery ticket holders at €5.00. You can explore the exhibition independently using your Borghese Gallery ticket. 
 

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

  • For more information and inspiration while planning your travels to Rome, take a look at our other Context experiences.
  • If you are looking to learn more about Rome prior to your visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.

Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour, but please make sure to turn off the flash to protect the art works.

Why isn’t this tour offered on Mondays?
The Borghese Gallery is closed on Mondays so we are unable to offer tours.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the Borghese Gallery is accessible to people with mobility issues. Wheelchair users can access a dedicated entrance, and wheelchairs are also available for rent on-site. Due to the cramped spaces, guests may occasionally be asked to temporarily swap their wheelchairs for the museum's smaller, easier-to-maneuver wheelchairs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
539 Reviews (4.8)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

We had the most wonderful tour with Richard today! He brought the sculptures to life for us and we learned so much. Thanks to him and to Context for yet another fabulous tour. We wouldn’t dare use any other company when Context is an option!
We had a wonderful tour with Guido. The gallery is beyond words. The Berninis truly takes one’s breath away. Guide was so kind, a depth of knowledge and his passion is clearly demonstrated.
Best museum in world for those of us who love Bernini. Our guide, Alessandra, was so informative, charming, and fun. Couldn’t have been better.