ONCE UPON A TIME: THE GUIDED TOUR OF THE PAINTED VAULTS RETURNS, FEATURING THREE BRAND-NEW ROOMS TO DISCOVER.
Once Upon a Time is an in-depth tour led by museum staff and dedicated to the cycle of painted ceilings within the Villa.
This initiative, running from February 18 to April 30, was created to showcase the extraordinary renovation of the villa commissioned by Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese at the end of the 18th century (1770-1800). This remarkable, yet often overlooked project involved a radical restructuring of the building and a complete modernization of its interior decorations.
The project was entrusted to the renowned architect Antonio Asprucci (1723-1808), a pioneer in introducing Neoclassicism to Rome. Collaborating with a prestigious team of Italian and international artists—including Gavin Hamilton, Tommaso Conca, Mariano Rossi, and the quadratura specialist Giovan Battista Marchetti—Asprucci designed the rooms as magnificent backdrops for the ancient and modern marbles housed in the building. The walls were adorned with polychrome marble-effect stuccos, while the vaults were divided by elegant architectural quadratura and precious stucco frames. At the center of each ceiling, paintings were carefully chosen to create a “dialogue” with the masterpiece positioned in the center of the room. The entire decorative cycle served a descriptive purpose, intended to exalt the Borghese family and their ancient origins to the Villa Pinciana’s guests.
Admission to the initiative is free, but reservations are mandatory and can be made by calling 06 67233755 (from Monday to Friday, between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM).
Tours take place from Tuesday to Friday.
The meeting point scheduled for 12:00 PM at the museum Information Desk located next to the Ticket Office. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes an introduction to the Portico followed by a visit to the Mariano Rossi Hall, which is dominated by the imposing fresco titled Romulus Welcomed into Olympus by Jupiter to Propitiate the Victory of Furius Camillus over Brennus, King of the Gauls. The itinerary also features the Aeneas and Anchises Room and the Emperors’ Room, both of which are rich in paintings, statues, bas-reliefs, columns, and pillars.
Please note that entry to this tour does not grant access to the other rooms of the museum.