Borghese Gallery Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese) is a world-class art museum housed in the 17th-century Villa Borghese Pinciana. The collection includes masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. The museum is small but extraordinary, limited to 180 visitors at a time across two-hour timed entry slots. Wheelchair users can access both floors via an elevator, though the elevator is small and may not fit large wheelchairs. The museum provides smaller wheelchairs that fit the elevator. Visitors with certified disability enter free along with one companion.

Getting There

• Metro: Spagna station (Line A) is the nearest, about a 15 to 20-minute roll through Villa Borghese park. The path through the park is mostly paved but includes some uphill sections. Flaminio station (Line A) is also an option, about 20 to 25 minutes through the park via Piazza del Popolo.
• Bus: Bus 116 stops near the gallery entrance. Routes 63, 83, 92, 223, 360, and 910 stop at Via Pinciana/Museo Borghese, about a 5-minute roll from the entrance.
• Taxi: A taxi directly to Piazzale Scipione Borghese is the most convenient option and avoids the park walk entirely.
• Parking: There is limited parking near the museum entrance, including spaces for disabled visitors with proper permits.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The accessible entrance is at the back of the building at Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5. This entrance avoids the main staircase at the front of the villa.
• The ground floor (sculpture gallery) is accessible from the rear entrance without steps.
• An elevator connects the ground floor to the second floor (painting gallery). However, the elevator has reduced space and does NOT fit large wheelchairs.
• The museum provides small wheelchairs that fit inside the elevator. On arrival, staff will help you transfer to a museum wheelchair for the second floor, then transfer back to your own wheelchair after your visit.
• Gallery rooms have some narrow doorways, but standard-width manual wheelchairs pass through all accessible routes.
• The museum interior has polished floors that are smooth and easy to roll on.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible restrooms are available inside the museum on the ground floor, near the accessible entrance.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• All visits require advance timed-entry booking. Tickets sell out weeks ahead, especially in summer. Book as early as possible.
• Disabled visitors can book free tickets by emailing [email protected]. You will need to provide documentation of your disability.
• You cannot buy tickets on-site. Online booking is the only option.
• Each visit is limited to 2 hours. A bell rings 15 minutes before your session ends, and staff will ask you to leave promptly.
• The museum is small (only 20 rooms), so 2 hours is enough time even at a relaxed pace.
• The park paths from the metro stations are paved but hilly. In wet weather, they can be slippery. Consider taking a taxi directly to the museum.
• A small cafe with accessible seating is available on-site.
• The surrounding Villa Borghese park has wide paved paths and is a pleasant area to roll through, with views, fountains, and a lake. The paths are mostly accessible, though some sections have gravel.
• Audio guides are available at the entrance and included in the ticket price.