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"Galleria Nazionale D’Arte Antica-Palazzo Barberini"

Rome Tourist Guide Museums  

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica-Palazzo Barberini

Although the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica is located at different venues throughout the city, the main section can be visited at the Palazzo Barberini. The gallery features paintings from the Renaissance through to the Baroque and includes fascinating pieces such as The Annunciation by Filipo Lippi, La Fornarina by Raphael, a piece by Tintoretto and a portrait of Henry VIII by Holbein.   

The palace is interesting in and of itself because it once served as the official residence of Pope Urban VIII. The design and construction was completed by some of the most important architects of the 17th century: Bernini, Borromoni and Maderno. Both the exterior façade as well as the interior design bear witness to the immense economic and political power wielded by the papal families in general and the family of Pope Urban VIII in particular during this time. For example, the main salon is adorned with one of the most significant frescoes of the baroque era, the Triumph of Providence. In addition to the undeniable quality of the painting, the piece is also notable for a very telling detail. The centre of the painting doesn't feature God or the Holy Trinity, but rather the three bees that were the symbol of the Barberini family's coat of arms.

Opening days/hours:
Tuesday-Sunday from 9am to 7pm. Closed Mondays.

http://www.galleriaborghese.it/barberini/it