Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini)

The Basics

Worth a visit for the architecture itself, the 17th-century Palazzo Barberini has a soaring marble facade with three tiers of arches—the upper two glazed to form towering windows—facing a semi-enclosed courtyard. Inside, Borromini’s remarkable spiral staircase leading up to the piano nobile (main level), and the Grand Salone decorated by Pietro da Cortona's BaroqueAllegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power ceiling fresco, influenced the art and architecture of later palaces across Europe. The magnificence of this Renaissance palace now forms the backdrop to some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome, including Raphael'sLa Fornarina, a portrait of King Henry VIII by Hans Holbein, Guido Reni's portrait of Beatrice Cenci (beheaded for patricide in 1599), and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his unforgettable depiction ofJudith Beheading Holofernes.

To fully appreciate Barberini Palace’s important architecture and artistic masterpieces, consider joining a private tour of the National Museum of Ancient Art that includes skip-the-line tickets and a guide. Some Rome night tours and walking tours include a stop by the palace to view its facade, courtyard, and garden...an excellent option for touching on the city’s highlights.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Large bags and backpacks must be left in the lockers near the entrance.

• This is an especially interesting stop for art lovers who want to avoid the crowds in Rome’s more famous museums.

• The palace’s Renaissance garden is open for free to the public daily all year.

How to Get There

Palazzo Barberini is located just off Piazza Barberini, one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square, and from there it is just steps to the museum entrance.

When to Get There

The museum is closed on Mondays, but open throughout the day the rest of the week. Visit around midday when most the museum is quiet to enjoy the collection virtually to yourself.

Galleria Corsini

Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art is located on two sites: Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Corsini. The latter is set in Palazzo Corsini, an 18th-century Baroque palace in Trastevere on the opposite side of the Tiber river next to Villa Farnesina. The palace is home to a beautiful botanical garden covering the slopes of Janiculum hill in addition to a collection of paintings by primarily Italian artists dating from the early Renaissance to the late 18th century.

Ways to explore

To fully appreciate the Barberini Palace’s architecture and artistic masterpieces, consider joining a private tour of the National Museum of Ancient Art, which includes skip-the-line tickets and a guide. Some Rome night tours and walking tours include a stop by the palace to view its facade, courtyard, and garden—an excellent option for touching on the city’s highlights. You’ll see Borromini’s remarkable spiral staircase leading up to the piano nobile and the Grand Salone decorated by Pietro da Cortona’s Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power baroque ceiling fresco, which influenced the art and architecture of later palaces across Europe.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and elevators. Free admission is available for visitors with disabilities and a companion. Reserved parking is available nearby, and accessible bathrooms are located within the museum. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Money or bank card for the museum shop, camera to photograph the architecture

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and layers are ideal for visiting this museum, as there may be areas with lower temperatures.

Not allowed

Luggage, coats, backpacks, umbrellas

Amenities

Restrooms, coat check, bookshop, lockers

Address

Palazzo Barberini is situated just off Piazza Barberini, one of the city’s main transportation hubs, which is served by both buses and the metro. Several bus routes and the metro stop in the square, and from there it is just a short walk to the museum entrance.

Driving

The Palazzo Barberini is located within a ZTL (limited traffic zone), and entry is prohibited during activation hours, so it’s best to avoid driving here if you can. Parking is available near the Spanish Steps at the Parking Villa Borghese.

Public transportation

The palazzo is near the Barberini metro stop, served by line A. Various bus lines also provide access to the palazzo, including 53, 61, 62, 63, 80, 81, 83, 160, 492, and 590.

Best times to visit

Plan to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.

Best days to visit

The best days to visit are Tuesday through Friday—this is your best bet for avoiding large groups of tourists. Note that the palace is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

January through March and October through November are the low season with the fewest tourists.

Special events

The museum often offers extended hours during special events and exhibits. Check its online calendar before your visit for what’s on.