Can anyone explain to me why the Galleria Borghese asks me to choose a seat when I register for a visit? I thought this was a normal art museum where visitors can mill around. Am I wrong? Are you supposed to take a seat and then they bring the paintings and sculptures to you? That seems very strange, and kind of improbable. Thank you!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10203 posts
That is very strange. There are no seats, it's a regular museum with timed entries. I called to make our reservation.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
It's just the way the booking site is set up. There are not seats but it's their way of keeping track of how many tickets they sell for each time slot. Don't let it worry you, just book the time you want. Donna
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
I looked at it just now. I think it's only the 3rd-party software they're using for their reservations process. Are you using the following site and clicking the red ONLINE BOOKING button? http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/einfo.htm I chose Quantity: 1 for the date/time I wanted and went to the next screen where it gave a summary of my order and asked me to log in if I had an existing account or click PROCEED if I didn't. That's as far as I went but it seemed I could get through.
Posted by
OP
Saginaw, Michigan
8 posts
Thank you. I think Donna is right; it's just a way of counting bodies so that they can keep the museum from getting crowded.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Actually, the museum is never crowded. They have a strict 200 person limit for each session. It's an older building and because of safety codes they can't let in more than that at one time. You're limited to two hours inside the gallery so don't be late. Get there at least a half hour early or your risk them giving away your reservation to the stand-bys who couldn't get a reservation. Donna
Posted by
Madison, WI
34 posts
I called Galleria Borghese today because although I have read you can only booked 30-60 days in advance you can already buy tickets for August on the online site (found through the museum website). I have been trying to figure out whether it is better to wait and reserve via telephone so that I can use the Roma Pass or if I should just go ahead and buy my tickets. Since I am doing a private Colosseum/Underground tour already it seems like the only benefit of getting a Roma Pass would be the 3 days of unlimited bus rides (but I actually in Rome for 5 so it may be best to buy single tickets). Any advice?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The Roma Pass is expensive if you are only using it for transportation. You can buy single tickets or day-tickets. If you buy singles, I suggest you buy a few at a time. The historic center is very compact, but take bus #116 for an orientation ride (it's a little electric bus), and always validate your ticket on board.
Posted by
Madison, WI
34 posts
I guess a more specific question is:
I know the Roma pass benefit is skipping the lines but I wont need it for Colosseum and I will have to make a reservation for Galleria Borghese. Since I could book the Galleria Borghese tickets now (or wait until 30-60 days before) how likely would it be that the day I am looking for is fully booked? PS: When I called today the woman say 'call in July' and immediately hanged up... so it is hard to tell when in July :( (I am trying to book for Aug. 13)