Hi everyone. We'll be in Rome next month for a few days and I'm trying to decide which site to see since there will only be time for one. I know it's in the eye of the beholder but I was hoping for any feedback from those that have traveled there recently. Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Like most great museums, these two are impossible to accurately summarize by over-simplifying a description into a couple of sentences.
Having said that, the Palazzo Massimo portion of the National Museum of Rome (which I assume is the part of the National Museum you're referring to) features major Greek and Roman sculptures; also has frescoes from Roman villas, and coins and everyday objects.
The Borghese is an entirely different collection and is also more than just a great art museum, it's also a beautiful villa set in the greenery of surrounding gardens. The collection is difficult to accurately describe briefly but features Bernini sculptures and paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Note that reservations for the Borghese are mandatory.
Because the collections are so different, it's too bad you can't see them both, and the choice between them comes down to what you find most interesting, not what we find most interesting. Both are rated *** (highly recommended) by Michelin.
Posted by
shen, ca, usa
111 posts
I was at the Borghese early June. It's my personal favorite. It's small and exquisite. They limit the number of visitors at each 2 hour period, reservation mandatory, no crowd and no long marches. The ground around the villa is beautiful, an added bonus.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
In the interest of full disclosure, I've been to the Borghese twice but not yet the National Museum. That said, I find the sculptures at the Borghese absolutely stunning. If you have much more of an interest in ancient Roman history than Renaissance art, you might like the National Museum better, but I truly think the Borghese is not to be missed.
Posted by
OLD WESTBURY, NY, usa
77 posts
The best thing about Borghese is that they have quite a few amazing Bernini sculptures. If you are not familiar with his work google it, he was truely a master of the female form. His work is so real and flesh like!!! Being an art lover, Borghese was my favorite stop in Rome!!!!!
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
Like Liz, I've been to the Borghese twice and not to the National Museum. All I can say is that I'm not a museum person and I was blown away by the sculptures at the Borghese.
Posted by
St. Louis
239 posts
The Borghese Gallery is my favorite as well.
Posted by
Camas, WA, USA
166 posts
I had to make the same decision when I was in Rome almost two years ago. I chose the Borghese Gallery - and was really happy I did.
I'd share more but it would just be an echo of the prior poster's sentiments. The setting is gorgeous, the sculptures are stunning.. all in all it's one of my favorite museums in the world (behind the Orsay!).
That said, it's probably most important that you consider what type of art you prefer. Have fun!