Palazzo Barberini — National Gallery of Ancient Art and Italian Numismatic Institute
Palazzo Barberini is a 17th-century palace in Rome, facing the Piazza Barberini in the Rione Trevi. Today it houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, the main national collection of older paintings in Rome, and is associated with the Italian Numismatic Institute.
At a glance
- Type
- Baroque palace, national art gallery and institute seat
- Period
- 17th century
- Style
- Baroque
- Location
- Piazza Barberini, Rione Trevi, Rome, Italy
Overview
The Palazzo Barberini is a 17th-century palace in Rome, facing the Piazza Barberini in the Rione Trevi. Today it houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, the main national collection of older paintings in Rome. The palace is also associated with the Italian Numismatic Institute.
History
The palace was built in the 17th century for the Barberini family, whose patronage shaped much of Baroque Rome. It became one of the grandest aristocratic residences of the period. In the modern era it was adapted to public use as a seat of the national painting collection.
What you see
The palace stands on the Piazza Barberini and presents a monumental Baroque façade and interior. Its galleries display paintings of the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, mostly works from before 1800. The building remains a landmark of Baroque civic and palatial architecture in central Rome.
Cultural significance
Palazzo Barberini is the main seat of the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, the principal national collection of older paintings in Rome. It preserves one of the most important Baroque palatial ensembles in the city and the artistic legacy of the Barberini family.
Practical information
The palace is located on Piazza Barberini in the Rione Trevi. For opening hours, tickets and current exhibitions, check the official website.
Getting there
Palazzo Barberini faces Piazza Barberini in central Rome. The nearest metro station is Barberini on Line A, and the area is served by numerous city bus lines.