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1st Sunday of the month free at Borghese Gallery

Hello all, looking for help on how to obtain a free ticket to the Borghese Gallery on the 1st Sunday of the month. Thanks!

Posted by
6531 posts

Here's the Borghese website, but I didn't see any reference to free admission on first Sundays.

Posted by
6108 posts

No free Sundays at Borghese
The gallery has long required a rebooked timed entry, you must book in advance, your time slot allows you in for 2 hours

Can’t see how a “free Sunday” would ever work there

Posted by
42 posts

Thanks for your reply, perhaps my edition is out of date but Rick's guide book states "free and very crowded first Sun of the month." I will call the gallery.

Posted by
6108 posts

I see in the 2020 Italy guide he says
“free and very, very crowded once or twice a month when no reservations are taken”
Day varies, usually First Sunday in low season

Surprising, really
The gallery is just 15 euros and worth it, also worth it to visit when not crowded as your timed entry allows

I suspect the “free” days are nonexistent in times of Covid

Posted by
15827 posts

Last I knew, none of the State museums (the Borghese is one of these) were observing Free Sundays since COVID raised its head but even when they did, advance reservations, although free, were still mandatory for that one.

Rome's Civic museums were starting to observe them again as of the fall but I haven't kept track lately. A thread on the subject from October:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-free-first-sundays

Whether they'll reinstate free Sundays at the State Museums sometime in 2022 is anyone's best guess but I'll wager chances are less versus more. Be really cautious about certain visiting info published in ANY guidebook, whether a past issue or even one you just purchased, OK? Things change so rapidly - and sometimes so often - due to the virus than no book can be 100% current these days. For the most up-to-date info, go directly to the websites for the attractions you plan to see, and check into them on a regular basis should your trip not be for some months from now.

Posted by
42 posts

Thank you all for your replies.
I have been there two times, just never coincided with the beginning to the month. If I have to pay, I will :)