Do you want to know if you can visit Palazzo Barberini for free and without paying a ticket? Good news then: in fact, there are several occasions when you can enter for free!
This museum, part of the National Galleries of Ancient Art, houses masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and many other great artists. A perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of art without spending anything.
But who is eligible for free admission and when is it possible to visit the museum without paying? In this guide you will find all the information you need to best organize your visit.

Palazzo Barberini Tickets
Buy now. Choose your preferred time. Places for Palazzo Barberini are limited: don’t miss the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Raphael and Pietro da Cortona.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Palazzo Barberini: free admission days for all

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There are days when anyone can enter Palazzo Barberini for free with no special requirements. Mark these dates, because these are opportunities not to be missed!
First Sunday of the month
Every first Sunday of the month, thanks to the Sunday at the Museum initiative, admission is completely free. A perfect opportunity to discover the masterpieces on display without having to pay a ticket.
Pleasenote: since admission is open to everyone, attendance can be high. Booking in advance is always a good idea!
Special days with free admission
In addition to free Sundays, there are some special dates when you can visit museums without paying:
- april 25 – Liberation Day
- june 2 – Republic Day
- november 4 – National Unity and Armed Forces Day
Also on these days it is recommended to arrive early or make reservations, as the influx of visitors can be high. To make reservations in advance, you can email gan-aar.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it or call 06 39967500 from Italy.
Want to check times and admission arrangements for these dates? Check the tickets page to find all the information.

Palazzo Barberini Tickets
Buy now. Choose your preferred time. Places for Palazzo Barberini are limited: don’t miss the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Raphael and Pietro da Cortona.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Categories with the right to free admission

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In addition to the open days for all, there are categories of visitors who can enter Palazzo Barberini for free all year round. If you fall into one of these, you are entitled tofree access whenever you want!
Who can always get in for free?
- Under 18 – If you are under 18, admission is always free. Perfect for families with children!
- School groups and accompanying teachers from the European Union – Just book in advance to visit museums without paying.
- Students and teachers of specific university disciplines – If you study or teach in one of these faculties, you can enter for free:
- Architecture
- Humanities (specializing in archaeology or art history)
- Conservation of Cultural Heritage
- Education Sciences
- Academies of Fine Arts
- Ministry of Culture employees – If you work for the MiC, you get free access.
- ICOM (International Council of Museums) members – By showing your membership card, you get in without paying.
- On-duty tour guides and tour interpreters – If you are working, you get free entry.
- Journalists with a membership card from the Order – Perfect for those who cover art and culture!
- Handicapped persons and a companion – Free access and accessible facilities to ensure a comfortable visit.
- School teachers (tenured or term contract) – Just show a certificate issued by the Ministry of Education.
Important: To take advantage of free admission, always carry a document to prove your entitlement, such as a certificate of enrollment, professional card, or official document.
How to take advantage of free admission
If you fall into the categories that qualify for free admission or want to take advantage of free admission days, here’s what you need to know to avoid problems at the entrance and organize your visit in the best way possible.
When is it necessary to book in advance?
- For free Sundays and special days, reservations are not required but strongly recommended because seats may sell out.
- If you are part of a school group or a group, advance reservations are required.
- Categories with year-round free admission can also show up directly at the entrance, but it is always best to check availability.
How to book in advance?
To make reservations in advance you can:
- call 06 39967500 from Italy;
- write an e-mail to gan-aar.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it.
What is needed to get free admission?
To get free admission, you need to bring a document with you to prove your right, such as:
- ID card (for those under the age of 18).
- University card or certificate of enrollment (for students of the indicated faculties).
- Professional card or service document (for teachers, tour guides, journalists, ICOM members, employees of the Ministry of Culture).
- Disability certificate (for handicapped persons and accompanying persons).
Warning: If you forget the required document, the staff may deny you free admission. Better check before you leave!
When is it best to arrive?
If you visit Palazzo Barberini on a free day, you’ll want to arrive early, especially on the first Sundays of the month. The influx of visitors can be high and the lines at the entrance long.
Conclusion
Now you know all about visiting Palazzo Barberini for free! Whether it’s for the first Sunday of the month, one of the special days, or because you fall into the categories with free admission, you have plenty of opportunities to discover these wonders without spending a euro.
The only advice? Plan ahead! On free admission days, attendance is high, so better make reservations or arrive early to avoid long waits. And if you qualify for free admission year-round, remember to bring an ID to prove it.
Now all you have to do is plan your visit! Take advantage of this opportunity and be captivated by the masterpieces on display in the two museums.
Don’t fall into the exempt categories or want to visit a special exhibition? Buy your ticket now and discover all available options!