Were you able to see what you wanted within the time limit? Do they promptly chase people out all year round or only during the summer?

The latest time slot of the day is 5-7pm, but the website says their hours are 8:30am-7:30pm, so does that mean the last group gets some extra time?

I thought that the two hour time limit would have meant having to rush, I was wrong, the gallery is on two floors and two hours is generous. Yes, you will have to leave at the end of the two time limit, I was there at 11 am, and had to leave by 1 pm. The group that was there at 9 am had to leave the gallery before we were allowed in.

No, you won't have any extra time in the gallery, you will have to go collect your handbag/cameras, etc. after you exit the gallery which is probably why they open a half hour earlier than the first group is allowed in; and the gallery closes a half earlier than the premises.

Actually two hours is about right. There is so much you tend to get overwhelmed and more time would put you into the next group. Be sure you take little with you as you have to check everything you are carrying.

They're very strict about the 2 hour limit. It's better if you arrive a half hour before your time slot so you can pick up your tickets and check everything; sometimes the check lines are long.

I didn't think 2 hours were enough so the last time I was there I booked back to back reservations but I love sculpture and that's what I focused on and took my time. I also took the docent led tour and wanted extra time on my own afterwards.

Fifi, I've visited the Borghese five times and it was only the most recent visit -- in January 2008 -- when I was actually chased out at the end of the 2-hour limit. Every other visit, beginning in 2003, were made in spring and fall and the limit wasn't enforced at those times.

Which is a good thing -- 2 hours isn't really enough. I say that because I don't like to be rushed, and I like to be able to take a break and pop down to the basement washroom or sit on a chair now and again. I also like to backtrack a bit, or visit the rooms in different orders to avoid the crowds.

I think booking the last tour of the day would give you that little bit of extra time so you have some flexibility. They may start shooing people right at the end of the 2-hour limit, but you never know.

And, as Joanne says, make sure you have pockets because they don't allow you to take anything into the tour (I like to have a few tissues and lipbalm on me at the very least!)

I always carry a little woven cloth purse (what we use to call disco bags back in the days)and put my wallet inside. I have been to the Borghese 5 times- there in November with my daughter and I'll will be going back next week with my husband. Actually your belongings will be safe.
I think two hours is plenty of time but from the responses everyone has their own time needs. I actually have postcards of several of the Bernini's and the Canova sculpture on my bulliten board in my office so everyday I go to the musuem in my mind. I love Bernini!

Looking at next week, some time slots still have over 200 tickets available while some have only single digits left. Are the times with hundreds left likely to be far less crowded, do they all usually sell out in the end anyway?

Two hours is plenty of time for this venue. There are wonderful gardens around the gallery and so you could spend some time strolling.

Anna