Palazzo Barberini

Witold Drutel★★★★★★★★★★5.02 weeks ago

The Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica (Palazzo Barberini) is one of the most grandiose and majestic art museums in Rome. The palace was built in the 17th century for the powerful Barberini family as a symbol of their line's triumph when one of the brothers became Pope Urban VIII. This museum is an absolute classic for connoisseurs of the late Baroque and Renaissance. The palace itself is as remarkable an exhibit as the priceless paintings displayed in its halls. Palazzo Barberini is a unique architectural monument, created by three of the era's greatest geniuses. Construction was begun by Carlo Maderno, and after his death, Gian Lorenzo Bernini took over the project. He was assisted by his main rival, Francesco Borromini. Their unspoken architectural duel can still be seen inside the palace. Compare the two grand staircases: Bernini created a monumental, austere square staircase in the left wing, while Borromini created a graceful, soaring spiral staircase on an oval base with paired columns in the right. It's a pure delight for the eyes. The museum's art collection boasts a stunning number of iconic paintings. It houses Raphael's famous "Fornarina"—a portrait of Margherita Luti, the master's lover and muse. Fans of Caravaggio's dark genius will find his iconic and terrifying work "Judith and Holofernes" and "Narcissus" here. The halls also feature paintings by Titian, El Greco, Guido Reni, and Hans Holbein the Younger (his famous portrait of Henry VIII). If you enjoy architectural photography, Borromini's spiral staircase is a goldmine. Try shooting vertically from the bottom up to capture the perfect spiral, or capture the perspective of the flights of stairs from the top down, using soft natural light from the windows. Viewing Pietro da Cortona's colossal ceiling while standing is a serious challenge for the neck. Soft leather sofas have been thoughtfully placed in the center of the room. Lie down on them to leisurely study the hundreds of characters and appreciate the 3D effect of Baroque illusionism.

Andy You★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

Was very happy with our visit in the afternoon. The special Bernini exhibit was showing but we really enjoyed the base exhibit upstairs. Seemed like mostly an Italian crowd too, not too many tourists from other countries like many other hotspots in Rome

VeeBee★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

Great value as it’s not as busy as the Vatican museums! Bernini exhibit was great with excellent audio guide. Don’t forget side museum that is in the same building as the special Bernini exhibit. It’s included in the 20euro ticket. It’s located in same building but accessible by the side (no signs were visible). Great collection of frescos and painting!

Guilherme Ferraz★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

Lovely free entrance, impressive halls and Palladian building features, and a very mesmerising art collection that includes quite a few by Caravaggio. Amongst the papal palaces of Rome, Barberini does not have the interior splendour of Borghese or the lush gardens and privileged views of Villa Medici, but it definitely is the most central and, for lovers of old art, the more “star-studded” collection.

Susan Medyn★★★★★★★★★★5.06 months ago

Phenomenal art collection and two grand staircases including a brilliant spiral staircase in the home of a former member of the papal family whose insignia is the honey bee. Caravaggio masterpieces as well and other major artists work beautifully exhibited. Quiet museum that is not to be missed. Your ticket also gets you into the Corsini Gallery in Trastavere.