Galleria Spada

A fabulous gallery off the beaten path (if you can say that about a museum in the middle of Rome) that was basically empty when I was there—actually that’s a real joy in a city where you’re constantly battling crowds. Here in peace and quiet you can enjoy masterpieces by Orazio Gentillesci and Artimesia, his daughter, a mesmerizing portrait by Annibale Carracci, a great Solimena, several wonderful Passarotti portraits, a Prospero Fontana, a big Guercino, loads of other intriguing pictures, all hung floor to ceiling and mixed with furniture, sculpture and other objects. A bonus is the beautiful and unique Borromini false perspective colonnade on the ground floor. A wonderful collection and very satisfying experience—highly recommended!

Galleria Spada is a small but excellent gallery, showcasing art from the Baroque era. Palazzo Spada was originally built in the mid-16th century and later purchased in 1632 by Cardinal Bernardino Spada, a man deeply engaged with art and science. Works by artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi, Tiziano, Brueghel, Guercino, Orazio Gentileschi, and Reni are displayed in richly decorated rooms. There is a secret garden at the rear of the palazzo, where Francesco Borromini’s perspective gallery is wonderful, and very helpfully explained and demonstrated by a guide, and although no photos of her were allowed, she did a great job. Designed in 1653, the colonnade appears to stretch nearly 30 meters, but in reality, it measures just over 8. This illusion is achieved through a combination of shrinking columns, a rising floor, and a small sculpture at the end which completes the effect. In the garden the 3d effect of the window surrounds which are just painted on, is also striking. Friendly staff and a bargain €6 to enter, thoroughly recommend!

Great place to visit especially for the Galleria Borromini let alone the art collection

I sincerely found the ticket price steep, to visit only 4 rooms (ca. 200 pieces, no show-stoppers at all), where lighting leaves A LOT to be desired, a mere 9 seats are offered to visitors (2 already occupied by personnel), whereas the rooms include many dozens of seats that cannot be used. Nice charts naming artists of the collection. However, you are actually here to see Borromini's "Perspective", the rest is a bonus.

Great way to see some arts with no rush. Good addition, if you are visiting Rome with no rush. Amazing job of Bernini with illusion is also here. You should ask 1st floor receptionist to show it if you are lucky enough like us.

Galleria Spada is inside the Palazzo Spada, and even though it is not very big, if you have some spare time in Rome it might be worth a visit. It is comprised of four rooms hanging floor to ceiling. It also has some beautiful marble structures and a courtyard on the first floor.

Favourite spot on Rome trip - beautiful rooms (mostly all to yourself) and a secret in the garden if you go 😉

Went on the first Sunday of the month which got us free entry to the gallery and the garden with Francesco Borromini’s forced perspective piece. The gallery itself is a work of art with painted scenes on the ceilings, wonderfully carved gilded tables, and other Baroque furniture. The gallery consists of only a few rooms full of paintings and some sculptures, and the garden; for us this was a perfect bite sized activity and isn’t far from other historic attractions.