crystalnpat

Time might now allow us to tour the Borghese gallery. Would I regret it? Did anyone else go to Rome and not see this place and why not?

111op

I've never been to the Borghese Gallery. I was in Rome five years ago.

Anyway, I guess I was a less sophisticated traveler back then or something, but most guide books I've checked don't seem to rate this so highly. I know that it gets a lot of raves here. Obviously it depends on what your priorities are. Personally I don't think that it's a "must-see." There're a lot of architectural and art treasures in Rome; if you've to skip one due to lack of time, it's not the end of the world.

GAC

You'll regret not going.

TopMan

It is hard to "regret" something you don't know much, if anything, about.
It is also impossible to know if you'd have regretted it unless you actually saw it...none of us can tell you...for certain.

I've been to the Borghese twice and enjoyed it both times.

If you aren't all that interested in the sculpture and paintings on display you will NOT regret missing it..just as I will never "regret" not going to the MacDonald's at the Spanish Steps.

MFNYC

The first time I went to ROme I didn't go (although I was a much less sophisticated traveller at the time). I just remember after returning, hearing my Aunt (who loves ITaly), say over and over that she couldn't believe I skipped the Borghese Gallery. FInally, 20 years later I returned but this time Borghese was high on my list. This was one of my favorites. What I liked most about is is that it's small and much more easier to absorb than the larger museums. Not being an art expert, I become a bit overwhelmed at large museums and much prefer the smaller ones. We rented the audio tour which was very informative.

111op

To put it in perspective, I would regret it if I had gone to Rome and missed the Vatican. I would regret it if I had gone to Rome and missed the Forum. But Borghese Gallery just isn't in the same class for me.

Interestingly, I've no desire to see the Forum again. I found it disappointing.

swalter518

We enjoyed it but it took 3 trips to Rome to make it there. The park it's located in is very nice and the museum doesn't take a whole lot of time. Try to make it if you can but if not, don't be crushed over it. As someone above said, it's very nice but not the Colleseum or the Vatican...

jody

Since visits are limited to 2 hours and reservations can be booked online, you might be able to squeeze it in.

bugswife1

To me, Borghese Gallery is one of the most precious places I have ever had the good fortune to visit--twice. The Bernini Statues bring tears to my eyes. The building is gorgeous. Just a little jewel box of a museum. Daphne being chased by Apollo as she turns into a laurel tree is my favorite piece of sculpture. I would move heaven and earth to see it again.

Iregeo

Well said, Bugswife. I'm with you.

PamSF

We were in Rome 2 years ago and could not go to the Borghese as there were no reservations available. We regretted not having made reservations and, consequently, not going.

lhopp

You really should try to go; it was one of our favorite museums. The gardens surrounding the museum are also beautiful.

bobthenavigator

I am not an art lover, but the Bernini sculptures blew me away. Try not to miss it--and the park itself.

mendota98

Hi crystalnpat,


Unlike many other attractions in Rome you can grasp the Borghese Gallery. It impresses you but doesn't leave you feeling that you missed something.

Visitors can stand very close to the art and the presentation is natural not artificial.

Also, it's a beautiful walk from the gallery thru the park and over to the Via Veneto.

==Mike

newesttraveler

Rome is so chock full of wonderful sights it's tough to decide what to leave out when your time is limited. For us, it came down to a choice between the Borghese and Castle Saint Angelo (after having already visited St. Peter's, Vatican, Forum, Coliseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, and a host of churches that were all must sees on our list).

We chose the Borghese and loved it. The sculpture is spectacular and can be approached in a way not possible in many museums. We joined the tour and had a wonderful guide that made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Do I regret missing the Castle Saint Angelo? Sure I do. Who knows, we may have even enjoyed it more than the Borghese, but I do not regret our decision. We'll just look forward to visiting the Castle Saint Angelo on a future trip ...someday.

chepar

If you are able to squeeze in the visit, I highly recommend going.

I was in Rome for the first time a few months ago, and I went to see the Borghese Gallery, based on what I had read here by other Fodorites. It was absolutely gorgeous and was my favorite of everything I saw in Rome.

SuzieC

I'm one of those people who subscribe to the theory that the only thing I regret are the things I haven't tried.
That said, if you can't manage the Borghese this trip? Make it a must do for YOUR NEXT TRIP!! I've still got to really see one of the top three in Paris, and I've been to Paris 3 times!
Yep...haven't seen the Eiffel Tower yet, "up close and personal" leastways.

Underhill

The sculpture of Paulina Borghese is so lifelike that I had to stop myself from touching it to be sure that she wasn't alive. It's magnificent, as is the whole gallery.

NYCFoodSnob

Well, of course, bugswife1, casinoroyale and a few others know something about very important works of art.

Considering this museum, called the "most important museum in all of Italy" by many art critics, was closed in 1984 for renovation work and did not re-open until June, 1997, I think it's fair to say I would die if I missed an opportunity to visit.

What can one say about knowledgeable appreciation of historic works of art here on Travel Talk? I'm afraid, not much. Thank goodness there are a few people here who get "it."

111op

Oh, let's get real here, NYCFS. I don't want to get into a shouting match, but this museum can't possibly be more important than the Uffizi, which basically houses some of the most important works from the Renaissance.

And, in any case, grab one of the standard guide books and you'll see that most don't think that this is a "must-see" in a visit to Rome. Neither Rick Steves nor Michelin thinks this, for example.