Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica – Palazzo Barberini

The story of Palazzo Barberini as a national museum started in 1953 when it became the second location for the National Gallery of Antique Art, after the first opening in Palazzo Corsini in 1895. Over time, the collection grew with various acquisitions and donations, including pieces from the Torlonia family and a bequest from Henriette Hertz in 1915.

How to Get There

Located on the southern side of Piazza Barberini, the National Gallery of Ancient Art is easy to reach by public transport, with several bus and metro lines stopping nearby. It’s also within walking distance from other major attractions in Rome, making it a convenient stop on any itinerary.

List of Attractions

1. Salone di Pietro da Cortona: The main room boasts a breathtaking *trompe l’oeil* ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona, illustrating “The Triumph of Divine Providence.”
2. Early Renaissance Art: The lower floors feature crowd favorites like Piero di Cosimo’s “St. Mary Magdalene” (Room 10) and other devotional pieces.
3. High Renaissance and Baroque Periods: Key galleries include Raphael’s “La Fornarina,” works by Tintoretto and Titian (Room 15), a portrait of English King Henry VIII by Holbein (Room 16), and intriguing El Grecos in Room 17.
4. Caravaggio’s Masterpieces: Room 20 showcases Caravaggio’s “Judith and Holofernes” and the impressive “Narcissus.”
5. Late Baroque Era: The top floor displays works by Luca Giordano (Room 25) and other Neapolitan artists, including Bernini’s “Portrait of Urban VIII” in Room 26.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the National Gallery of Ancient Art can be bought online or at the museum’s ticket office. To manage visitor numbers, tickets are sold for specific two-hour slots (e.g., 9 – 11 a.m.). It’s a good idea to book in advance to avoid long lines.

Tips for Visiting

1. Plan Your Visit: With such a vast collection, it’s wise to plan your visit around the periods and artists you’re most interested in.
2. Explore the Building: The Palazzo Barberini itself is a baroque gem, featuring architectural highlights like Borromini’s whimsical spiral staircase.
3. Take Your Time: While the newer galleries on the top floor might seem less impressive, they still offer unique insights into the late baroque era.
4. Admire the Venetian Scenes: The classic Venetian scenes by Canaletto (Room 30) are always a delight to see.
5. Skip the Final Galleries: If you’re short on time, you might skip the final galleries covering the late 17th and 18th centuries, as they might not appeal to everyone.

The National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome is a place that promises to enchant art lovers with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and an unmatched collection of Italian art.