Rome Corsini Palace (Palazzo Corsini)
Via della Lungara 10, Rome, Italy, 00165
Along with its sister palace, the Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Corsini makes up one half of Rome’s National Gallery of Ancient Art. The 18th-century baroque palace houses the Galleria Corsini, said to be the only collection of 17th-century paintings in Rome displayed as it was originally arranged in the 1700s. Visit to see baroque and Renaissance works by artists such as Caravaggio, Rubens, and Van Dyck, then take a stroll through the adjoining gardens, which are part of Rome’s Botanical Garden.
The basics
Set next to Villa Farnesina on the slopes of Janiculum Hill, Palazzo Corsini and its surrounding estate changed hands repeatedly over the centuries before coming to house the offices of the National Academy of Science and the Galleria Corsini section of the National Gallery of Antique Art. Home to primarily Italian masterpieces, the collection includes showstoppers like Caravaggio's St. John the Baptist, St. Sebastian Healed by Angels by Rubens, and works by Guido Reni, Beato Angelico, and Guercino. Much less known than its sister collection in Palazzo Barberini, Galleria Corsini is an art lover’s dream, with its light crowds and important works.
To fully appreciate Palazzo Corsini’s collection of masterpieces, consider joining a private tour of the National Museum of Ancient Art in the Galleria Corsini that includes skip-the-line tickets and a guide. Some Trastevere walking tours include a stop at the palace to visit the collection and picturesque botanical garden.
Things to know before you go
- Entrance tickets for the Galleria Corsini are also valid for Palazzo Barberini.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Large bags and backpacks must be left in the lockers near the entrance.
- The botanical garden is open Monday to Saturday all year with a purchase of a separate ticket.
How to get there
Palazzo Corsini is located on Via della Lungara in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood, next to the Villa Farnesina. Walk from Piazza Santa Maria or catch buses 23 or 280.
When to get there
The gallery is closed on Mondays, but open throughout the day for the remainder of the week. Visit around midday when the museum is quiet to enjoy the collection virtually to yourself.
Palazzo Barberini and The National Gallery of Ancient Art Collection
Palazzo Barberini is home to the other portion of the National Gallery of Ancient Art collection. One of the most beautiful palaces in Rome, this 17th-century palazzo was built by the city’s great Renaissance architects: Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The collection includes Raphael's La Fornarina and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio.
Ways to explore
Exploring Palazzo Corsini feels like stepping into the refined rooms of an intimate 18th-century residence—plan to spend 60–90 minutes taking in its artwork and interiors, or 3–3.5 hours if you’re visiting both Palazzo Corsini and Palazzo Barberini.
Despite its exceptional collection, the National Gallery of Ancient Art remains one of Rome’s least-visited museums, so admission is usually easy. Tickets to the Corsini Gallery generally include entry to Palazzo Barberini. For a deeper understanding of Italian and European masters, consider booking a private gallery tour.
Accessibility
Galleria Corsini offers an accessible entrance and elevators; visitors with disabilities and one companion receive free admission.
Age limits
Visitors under 18 enter for free.
What to pack
Digital ticket, baroque art guide, sketchbook
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, an extra layer in case of cool AC
Not allowed
Luggage and suitcases, outside food and drinks
Amenities
Wi-Fi, restroom, cloakroom
Address
The Corsini Palace sits on the west side of the Tiber River, just north of Trastevere and next to the Botanical Garden of Rome. Located in a busy area with limited parking, it’s best reached on foot or by public transportation.
Driving
From Termini Station, head north to Piazza della Repubblica, then turn west onto Via Nazionale. Continue west to the Tiber River and turn north onto Lungotevere de’ Cenci. Cross the Giuseppe Mazzini bridge, then loop back along Lungotevere Farnesina. Look for parking nearby and walk to the palazzo, located just behind Villa Farnesina.
Public transportation
From Termini Station, take bus #64 to Via della Chiesa Nuova. From there, walk to the Tiber, cross the Giuseppe Mazzini Bridge, and follow Via della Lungara to the palazzo. Note that this part of Rome, west of the Tiber, is less accessible by metro.
Best times to visit
Visit shortly after opening—typically around 10am—for cooler temperatures in Rome’s hot summers and to give yourself plenty of time to also explore Palazzo Barberini, located across the river on Piazza Barberini.
Best days to visit
Go on the first Sunday of the month for free general admission—just be sure to reserve in advance, as tickets are still required.
Best months to visit
Visit in spring or early fall for the most pleasant weather—ideal for exploring the nearby Botanical Gardens. Aim for April, May, June, late September, or October.
Special events
On the European Night of Museums on May 17, the Palazzo Corsini and Palazzo Barberini open to the public from 7pm to 10pm, with admission for €1.
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