On Monday, May 15, Patrons were welcomed for a special behind-the-scenes visit to the Borghese Museum, offering a rare opportunity to explore the museum’s archives — known as the “second painting gallery.” This exclusive tour granted access to artworks currently kept outside the main exhibition spaces, as the rooms of the Villa undergo structural and decorative renovation. The visit shed light on the fascinating history of the Borghese Collection and its evolution over time: from Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s original 17th-century vision that gave birth to one of the world’s most exquisite private art collections, to the late 18th-century transformations commissioned by Marcantonio IV Borghese, who reimagined the villa’s layout and decorative scheme. It was a privileged glimpse into the living history of a collection that continues to embody the refinement and artistic passion of Rome’s great patrons.

Gallery