Has anyone here visited the Borghese and/or National Galleries of Ancient Art - Palazzo Barberini while the collections have been moved for the Borghese renovation? I was wondering if they are both still worth making time for with the present renovation. I am not a serious art lover, just appreciative of the historical significance of the art in Italy in general. I was wondering if the best of the collections are all in the Barberini facility for the time being. Thank you in advance for any suggestions or information.
Posted by
Ithaca, NY, USA
716 posts
We visited the Borghese in May, shortly after the 2nd floor was closed. We had an absolutely phenomenal guide, and although we only saw the first floor collection, it was one of the highlights of our trip to Rome. I do think a guide can make a big difference. If, as you state, you’re not a big art lover, you might even appreciate a slightly shorter tour. The setting is amazing and we learned so much about Bernini and his art. The RS guidebook suggests spending 3/4 of your time on the first floor, so you’ll still see a lot of highlights. I’d recommend going.
Posted by
1008 posts
I don't know if " the best of the collections are all in the Barberini facility", but I do know that from September 6, 2024 to January 5, 2025, the Jacquemart-Andre Museum in Paris will have an exhibition of "Masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery". https://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/masterpieces-borghese-gallery.
So, if you are visiting the Borghese at that time, it will be minus some masterpieces.
Posted by
OP
U.S.
4 posts
Thank you both for your replies.
Certainly food for thought.
Posted by
Seattle
284 posts
Thankfully, it will not be missing the sculptures which, for me, are the stars of the show at the Borghese. We were lucky enough on our visit last October to see everything the Gallery had on offer, but we kept returning to the sculptures during our 2 hour time-slot.