Borghese Gallery tickets

I've been twice and both were self guided. I enjoyed it very much and was able to get a lot out of it on my own and a small info sheet avail. in each room. I used a Roma Pass for entrance - after calling ahead for reservation times. First time I called when I arrived in Rome - with help of the hotel desk. Second time I phoned ahead and got a reservation time. If you are really really into art/sculpture - etc. You may
appreciate a guide, but I really enjoyed it all - self guided.

Thanks Francis, I was leaning toward self guided... now with you help it's a go. Have a great day
Lorie

The Bernini sculptures are my favorite. If you do a self guided your, do a refresher on Greek mythology. That is the subject of a lot of the sculptures.

I agree, Bernini is my favorite. Get the self guided audio tour to help you navigate. Also you need reservations for this place and don't be late. The ticket reserves time slots that are pretty strict. Also, spend some time walking through the park it is very pretty.

Make sure you get there a half hour before your reservation. You will have to check your purse, etc., cameras. They will give you a receipt for your belongings and they are safe -- but they only allow clear bags inside. They are Very Strict about entrance times/reservations. If your reservation is for 11am, be there at 10:30, if you are late, you will be denied entrance! It is the most beautiful, wonderful place, and not to be missed. I didn't go until my 5th visit to Rome, and couldn't believe I'd been missing it all those years. After you leave the museum, you should wander the grounds, weather permitting.

The bag-check staff will give you an opaque bag to carry into the gallery. you can put your small valuable items in that. A nice walk aftetward is to the Pincio (follow excellent signage) for views of Rome, then take the footpath down to Piazza del Popolo.

I rented their audio guide and was pleased with it. My only problem was that it goes in a specific sequence and there are no signs in the museum for the audio guide. Most people start on the first floor, then head up to the second. For that reason, I started on the second floor, by the time it was getting crowded I was ready to go to the first floor, which was pretty empty. This is a fine way to see the collection, but it is hard to get to the right place in the guide. Also, a few times it was a little difficult to locate the work that was being described. I'd still do it that way again, though.

Hi Lorie, I must tell you one more time, arrive a half hour early. Giovanni Bernini's sculptures are breathtaking. My mother loved these sculptures more than anything else we saw in Rome. Take your time to enjoy, but be aware, you are only allowed 2 hours in the museum before the next group comes in. I would start on the second floor first while the crowds are on the first, then make your way downstairs to the first floor where you will be alone with Bernini's sculptures. Enjoy your trip!