Tour Details
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- Borghese Gallery
Select a date
Tour Description
In the company of an expert in art history, in this 2-hour experience at the Borghese Gallery, you will explore the essential works of Cardinal Borghese's famed collection. Discover masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini, and end your day with a little extra insight into art and politics in 17th-century Rome.
This tour takes advantage of the shorter late entrance window offered by the Borghese Gallery and allows you to experience these masterpieces at the most quiet time of the day when the big crowds have left. You will meet your expert guide in front of the gallery and begin introductions immediately as you prepare to enter the museum. As you learn about Cardinal Scipione Borghese and his penchant for building relationships with the most acclaimed artists of his era, you will understand why his collection has attracted visitors for centuries. With faultless taste and a skilled eye, he tirelessly collected works of the highest standards throughout his lifetime. The resulting collection provides the perfect lens through which you will examine the crossroads of art and politics in Rome during the 17th century.
Your expert will guide you through a condensed visit of the various floors of the Galleria where some of the most remarkable High Renaissance works are housed, from Bernini's life-sized statue of Apollo and Daphne to Raphael's reverential painting, The Entombment. You will also have the privilege of discovering paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, Coreggio and Bronzino while gaining better insight into the politics of building a private art collection during the era of Cardinal Borghese. Leaving the gallery together as the doors close for the day, your guide will wrap up this concise introduction to one of the most impressive private collections in the world just in time for an evening aperitivo.
This tour takes advantage of the shorter late entrance window offered by the Borghese Gallery and allows you to experience these masterpieces at the most quiet time of the day when the big crowds have left. You will meet your expert guide in front of the gallery and begin introductions immediately as you prepare to enter the museum. As you learn about Cardinal Scipione Borghese and his penchant for building relationships with the most acclaimed artists of his era, you will understand why his collection has attracted visitors for centuries. With faultless taste and a skilled eye, he tirelessly collected works of the highest standards throughout his lifetime. The resulting collection provides the perfect lens through which you will examine the crossroads of art and politics in Rome during the 17th century.
Your expert will guide you through a condensed visit of the various floors of the Galleria where some of the most remarkable High Renaissance works are housed, from Bernini's life-sized statue of Apollo and Daphne to Raphael's reverential painting, The Entombment. You will also have the privilege of discovering paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Titian, Coreggio and Bronzino while gaining better insight into the politics of building a private art collection during the era of Cardinal Borghese. Leaving the gallery together as the doors close for the day, your guide will wrap up this concise introduction to one of the most impressive private collections in the world just in time for an evening aperitivo.
Experts
- Borghese Gallery
- Includes viewings of the Apollo and Daphne, Sacred and Profane Love, and The Rape of Proserpina
- 2 hours with a Ph.D. or MA-level guide
- Advanced ticket reservation
Tickets
Our visit to the Borghese Gallery includes advance entry tickets, allowing you to skip the general ticket office line. Although you can skip the main ticket line, there may still be a brief wait for security screening or ticket scanning. Please be aware that the museum enforces a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time, resulting in highly limited ticket availability. Consequently, some changes and reschedules may occur, and we appreciate your patience in these instances.
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.
Why is this tour shorter than other Borghese Tours?
The Borghese Gallery offers a special, shortened visiting window at the end of the day. The time permitted inside the museum for this window is 1 hour and 15 (as opposed to the usual 2 hours) and the ticket prices are reduced accordingly. We begin our Borghese tours 30 minutes before the entrance time in order to pass through security and begin your introduction to the subject matter. You will have 15 minutes at the end to exit the gallery and wrap up your discussion with your expert guide.
What is a private tour?
The Borghese Gallery offers a special, shortened visiting window at the end of the day. The time permitted inside the museum for this window is 1 hour and 15 (as opposed to the usual 2 hours) and the ticket prices are reduced accordingly. We begin our Borghese tours 30 minutes before the entrance time in order to pass through security and begin your introduction to the subject matter. You will have 15 minutes at the end to exit the gallery and wrap up your discussion with your expert guide.
What is a private tour?
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.
What is a small group tour?
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.
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.
Why isn't this tour offered on Mondays?
On Mondays, the Borghese Gallery is closed to the Public. We are unable to offer tours.
Where You'll Start
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28 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Tiziana was wonderful; so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all of the history and art. This evening tour was the way to go as it was a lot less busy
Alejandro
Oct. 10, 2024
Cecelia was exceptional. She was passionate, energetic and had an in-depth knowledge of all of the artists whose works are displayed. Cecelia’s discussions of Caravaggio and Bernini in particular, their lives and the backgrounds to creating each piece brought them all to life. We were mesmerized throughout the tour — and we had a lot of fun. We’ve taken numerous Context tours throughout Europe, and while all Context guides are outstanding, Cecelia is among the very best!
Marie
Oct. 9, 2024
Olivia was a delight! Deeply knowledgeable about art history and frank about discussing the positives and negatives of the Renaissance art world. We had a great time with her!
Stephen
Sep. 26, 2024