Palazzo Barberini and the Galleria di Palazzo Corsini in Rome are home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Here, in between paintings, you will discover real artistic treasures, and the great thing is that you can visit both places with a single ticket, which you can easily find online, as it is one museum.

Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini

Palazzo Barberini, designed by Carlo Maderno for Pope Urban VIII, stands on the site of the former Villa Sforza and is an extraordinary fusion of history and art, with its wide spaces and sumptuous architecture.

Originally known as Palazzo Riario, Palazzo Corsini is a 15th-century Baroque jewel, later restored in the 18th century by the architect Fuga at the behest of the Corsini family. Here the hall frescoed by Pietro da Cortona is undoubtedly striking.

Palazzo Barberini: what works will you find?

It is thanks to the will of Prince Tommaso Corsini that today we are fortunate enough to admire an invaluable collection that has preserved a precious artistic heritage of 18th-century Rome. This collection, begun in the 17th century by Cardinal Neri Corsini, includes paintings from the 14th to the 18th century; as well as sculptures, bronze statues and period furniture. Over time it has been expanded through the addition of works from other collections in the Roman sphere, such as the Chigi or Sciarra collections.

Among the works are some that constitute true masterpieces:

• Caravaggio’s “Judith and Holofernes,” a work that captures the intensity and drama, typical of Caravaggio, showing an emotionally charged moment.
• “Portrait of Henry VIII” by Hans Holbein the Younger, an outstanding example of Holbein’s ability to capture the essence and power of his subjects.
• “Annunciation” by Filippo Lippi.
• the bust depicting Pope Urban VIII by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, an example of the artist’s talent for making marble come alive, reflecting the authority and personality of the subject.
• “Salome with the Head of the Baptist” by Guido Reni.

Online ticket for the National Gallery of Ancient Art

For convenience, you can choose to purchase the double ticket online: it gives access to Palazzo Barberini and the Corsini Gallery. Once you reach Palazzo Barberini, which is accessed from Via delle Quattro Fontane, you simply exchange your e-ticket for a paper one. The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Mondays are closed. Remember not to bring large luggage, but if unavoidable, you can leave it at the storage room.

Accessibility for wheelchair users is guaranteed, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. Once you choose the date, you cannot change the day; if you need flexibility, choose the refundable ticket option during purchase, which allows you to cancel until midnight the day before your visit.

With this online ticket to Palazzo Barberini and the Corsini Gallery you will also get a small but fun bonus: a PemCards card that you can create during your visit and send to whomever you want.

If you want to dive deeper into the halls of the gallery, however, there are other visiting options, such as this guided tour of Palazzo Barberini, which lasts a couple of hours. For perks, you can always combine admission to the National Gallery of Ancient Art with tickets to other museums, such as this one that offers a visit to Palazzo Merulana.

Se vuoi immergerti meglio nelle sale della galleria, invece, ci sono altre opzioni di visita, come questo tour guidato di Palazzo Barberini, che dura un paio d’ore. Per ottenere dei vantaggi, puoi sempre combinare l’ingresso alla Galleria Nazione di Arte Antica con i biglietti di altri musei, come questo che propone la visita al Palazzo Merulana.