Picking up Tickets for Borghese Gallery

They are pretty strict because most of the times are sold out, and the scrum you go through to get your tickets in the space available downstairs is pretty small. Then, you have to check your cameras, backpacks, ect, and get upstairs. Also, when they say the tour starts at 3 they mean three. We where there on 30 March, and all the slots were sold out--we had made reservations in January.
As an aside, I couldn't believe the amount of North Americans who thought they could just show up and get in!

They are very strict about the 30 minutes prior rule. You stand the chance of them giving away your slot to "walk ins" if you are not there early. There are always people waiting to see if there are no shows so get there as early as you can. I would suggest someone wait in the bag check line (which gets very long) while someone else pays for the tickets.

Donna

Yes, they're strict, don't be too early or late, you won't get in either way. Also prepare to provide something of value (try your US drivers' license) in exchange for the worthy audio guide. They aren't trying to make you miserable, they just want ensure you return their machinery. I witnessed an extremely snotty US citizen refusing to hand over any kind of ID card (citing "security") but finally conceding by giving the attendant her black American Express card (don't do this!)

But it's all worth the Bernini sculpture, some of the best I have ever seen!

I was just on the website and I was actually only trying to reserve a time (because I was going to use the Rome pass which I was going to buy in Rome) but the system wanted to push me all the way through a purchase? Any advice? Thanks Mike

If you're trying to reserve to use the Roma Pass to cover your ticket you'll have to call or e-mail them directly. Otherwise, you need to pay in full if I understand correctly.

Ask your hotel to make the reservation for you. The hotels do it all the time. Give them an approximate time (so they don't reserve an early morning tour when you want a late afternoon one, or vice versa).

It does take about 20 minutes to line up for the tickets and then to line up to check ALL bags and CAMERAS - they are very strict.

Then you have a few minutes to rent the audio guide and/or use the bathroom (so you don't waste any of your precious 2 hours in the museum).

I found the audio guide confusing because the guide starts with the balcony entrance, while our tour started from the inside entrance.

And I completely agree with the poster who said the Berninis are worth any and all hassles.

We showed up less than 30 minutes prior to our reservation, and we were fine. It was the first time slot of the day, however, so maybe that's why the lines were smoother and easier to get through.

If you are going to use the romapass to enter for free you need to use the call me back feature on the website. They will call you back as soon as they can. At that time you set up a reservation. It is very easy. You do not have to call them, they will call you.

Donna

When I got in line to pick up my tickets, there were ten people in front of me. None of them had ticket reservations, and they were all turned away. A little annoying, but a great illustration that you must get tickets ahead of time.