After much anticipation, you’ve arrived at the Borghese Gallery in Rome and thousands of paintings and sculptures lie ahead of you, waiting to be appreciated. Maybe you’ve heard of the few ‘famous’ ones, like Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, or Raphael’s Lady with the Unicorn. But the museum has so much more to offer, and you’re curious to learn about the rest. Here’s where an expert guide comes to the rescue.

Be led into room after room of sheer mastery and technical skill across a variety of mediums, from canvas to marble and more. Learn about artistic techniques and prominent art movements that have shaped creative expression over centuries.

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Why book a Borghese Gallery tour?

Learn from an expert: Perhaps you’ve never heard of the art technique ‘chiaroscuro’. Or are still unclear on what the word ‘Baroque’ means. A guide-cum-art historian will explain all these terms to make your visit enriching and educational.
Small groups: Booking a small-group guided tour means that you’ll get the chance to interact freely and more intimately than in a larger group, where you can feel lost. The guide will also be able to pay more individual attention to you in this setting.
Priority access: Since Borghese Gallery allows timed entry and you can only enter during your slot, you get to automatically bypass the lines and enter the museum without waiting. This allows your guide to directly lead you to the best bits of the museum so you can make the most of your tour.
Efficient exploration: The gallery can be a little overwhelming to navigate by yourself. With a guided tour, you can explore the gallery more efficiently and cover all the major highlights.

Explore major Borghese Gallery artworks

Some highlights covered on your Borghese Gallery guided tour

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Apollo and Daphne

Bernini's Apollo and Daphne in the Borghese Gallery portrays the tragic myth of Apollo pursuing the nymph Daphne, who transforms into a tree to evade him after being struck by Cupid's arrow.

Frequently asked questions about Borghese Gallery tours

What are the benefits of taking a guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

A guided tour enhances your visit by providing expert insights into the Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Your guide —who’s well-versed with the layout of the museum and its top artworks — will help you efficiently navigate the gallery, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights.

What can I expect from a small-group guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Small-group tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing for interaction with the guide and a closer look at iconic artworks by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and others.

How do I prepare for a guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Before visiting Borghese Gallery, follow these tips to make the most of your guided tour: Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a small notepad for jotting down any interesting facts or artist names. Pre-booking is essential as tours can sell out quickly.

How long is the guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

Most guided tours are approximately 2 hours long, which is ideal for covering the main highlights of the gallery without feeling rushed.

Can I book a guided tour on the day of my visit?

While it’s possible, chances of actually getting a guided tour in the time slot of your choice are slim. It’s recommended to book in advance to ensure availability, as tours are popular and often sell out quickly.

Does the guided tour include access to the entire Borghese Gallery?

Yes, guided tours typically cover all major sections of the gallery, including famous artworks and sculptures — unless some sections of the gallery are closed off for maintenance or some other reason.

What if I need to cancel my Borghese Gallery guided tour?

Most tours offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.

Are there any specific artworks to look out for on the guided tour?

Yes, your guide will highlight masterpieces like Bernini’s "Apollo and Daphne" and “Rape of Proserpina”. Then, there is also Caravaggio’s "David with the Head of Goliath" and Raphael’s "Young Woman with a Unicorn". But these are just some of the most famous ones, there are plenty of other lesser-known yet equally fascinating pieces like the “Sleeping Hermaphrodite” or “Pauline Bonaparte”.

Is a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery suitable for families with children?

Yes, the guided tours are family-friendly and can be a great way to introduce children to art and history.

What happens if I'm late for my guided tour at the Borghese Gallery?

If you’re late, you may miss part of the tour. It's important to arrive on time as the tour has a set schedule and cannot be delayed for latecomers.

Do guided tours of the Borghese Gallery include the Villa Borghese Gardens?

No, these guided tours offer access to just the museum. You will have to book separate tours if you want to explore the wider Villa Borghese and its other attractions like the gardens, museums, etc.