clarice

Hi, My sister and I are going to Rome for the first time in October. We have to make a decision on which "musei" we visit as we dont want to rush through either. Which one would you recommend. Of course I know they are both wonderful but we can only visit one...can anybody help..

AnnieP

Borghese!

sera

Why can you only visit one?

clarice

time restrictions im afraid sera

Eloise

Another vote for Galleria Borghese.

It has a Web site that will tell you how to reserve.

bookchick

Borghese, and definitely reserve through their website. It's very easy to do and will save you time and headaches.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Pausanias

I'd say it depends on whether you are more interested in art of the late Renaissance through the Baroque periods, or the arts and civilization of ancient Rome. Both museums have magnificent collections.

clarice

Hi Pausanias
thats the trouble I am intrested in both, as I live in Ireland I will have and opportunity of returning again early next year but my sister has to travel from NY and neither of us can make a decision as I said I dont want to rush either

massagediva

I adore both of these museums,and I would say the decision may be decided based on your existing itinerary.The Capitoline museums can easily be seen on the same day as the Forum, Colosseo.

The Borghese is gorgeous,for sure,but for me is a little off the beaten path. It's a lovely spot,but requires a bit more time in the schedule.They both house wonderful collections,whichever doesn't make the cut this time,put it on the top of the list for the next trip and add the Palazzo Altemps near Piazza Navona!

clarice

Thanks massagediva, I think i am leaning towards Capitolini as our hotel is in the area.

OpusX

Borghese is well worth the time to go there. Unforgetable Bernini's. After all, Bernini IS present day Rome.

AnnieP

you are going again early next year?

msackton

Let me add a vote for the Borghese. The Bernini's there are amazing. I'd only say the Capitolini if you like Roman sculpture a lot more than Renaissance.

Plus, if you are going to the Vatican Musuem, I seem to remember lots of Roman sculpture, but not nearly as much Renaissance sculpture.

KT

If you're rally leaning towards the Capitoline Museums, I say go for it. Not that the Borghese isn't fabulous. But so are the Capitolini, unless you're averse to ancient sculpture or tend to view it as all interchangeable. Plus, the architectural ensemble with the Michelangelo-designed piazza is quite wonderful.

But here's another consideration: the Borghese will take a lot less time. In fact, you won't have time to see all of the Capitolini, which is really a complex of several museums, including a painting gallery (which has a famous Caravaggio, if you need a sop for those who tell you you can't pass up the Baroque!).

You could flip a coin.

Jean

Are you aware that you're only allowed approximately 2 hours to tour the Borghese? Wish I could say this isn't "rushed," but we had to hurry through the last couple of galleries/rooms after the closing announcement was made.

clarice

Thanks Jean, I was unaware of this.

Alphonse

I recommand Musei Vaticani. There is a lot of visitors but it's worth it.

VolGreg

Let me add my 2 cents. We went to both museums and much prefer the Borghese. It is out of the way but afterwards you can walk through the garden to the magnificent Piazza di Popolo (sp).
The Borghese is a small museum and won't bowl you with a lot of stuff, and what they have is world class and will keep your attention through out your time there.
We went through it - hitting every exhibit - and had enough time left to go back through again. (well I hit the cafe-which was very good)

The Borghese gives you plenty bang for the buck! And if you have time constraints, it would be the one I recommend.

Greg

wliwl

Funny, but I actually preferred the Capitolini. Maybe I was just "museumed out" by the time we got to Borghese, but the whole experience of Capitol Hill, with Michelangelo's wonderful Renaissance Square and stairway, was great. We did not spend a LOT of time in either museum though.

clarice

Thank you all for your suggestions, i think we might decide on the Borghese. Greg can i ask you if you felt like you were rushed at any stage, it seems like you had plenty time. but Janes comments have worried me... Whatever the outcome I dont think we will be disapointed .... It isnt every day you get to choose between two magnificent Musems.......