Inside the Naples National Archaeological Museum

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Piazza Museo, 19, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:00–19:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

450000

TICKETS

From $51.23

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The National Archeological Museum of Naples has a Secret Room, or Gabinetto Segreto, which contains erotic artifacts and sculptures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, capturing their preoccupation with sensual pursuits.

Between 1616 and 1777, the museum was the seat of the University of Naples.

In the 18th century, the museum was also used as army barracks by the Bourbon family and a dumping ground for the looted collections from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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What makes the Naples National Archaeological Museum special?

The Naples National Archaeological Museum, or Museo Nazionale di Napoli (MANN) occupies pride of place in the cultural and historic landscape of Naples. It displays an array of artifacts both from the Campania/Vesuvius region and beyond: including the faraway locales of Egypt and closer home, even Rome.

Its collections trace the evolution of Greek, Oscan and Roman settlements in southern Italy, as well as protect and showcase the fragile art works and sculptures salvaged from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and other sites obliterated by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The museum is an important repository of the past, helping us piece together and unravel the secrets of ancient societies. Hence, visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum is a valuable and enriching experience for those who want to understand the evolution and progress of civilization in the greater Campania region.

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What to see at Naples National Archaeological Museum?

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Egyptian Collection

The National Archaeological Museum in Naples houses an expansive ancient Egyptian collection, making it one of the largest in the world. Highlights include the Naoforo Farnese, Charta Borgiana and The Lady of Naples.

Epigraphic Collection

Spanning from the 6th century BC to the 2nd century AD, the inscriptions showcased in this collection offer a unique linguistic window into Central and Southern Italy. Highlights include the Marble stone from Pozzuoli and the Pebble inscription in Oscan alphabet from Altilia.

Farnese Collection

The Farnese Collection, a Renaissance-era assemblage, can be traced back to Alexander Farnese, who later ascended to the papacy as Pope Paul III in 1534. This collection was curated through antiquarian market transactions, confiscations and archaeological excavations. Highlights include the Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules.

Mosaics

The museum is home to a spectacular mosaic collection, primarily originating from the excavations in Pompeii and nearby Vesuvian cities. Notable masterpieces include The Alexander Mosaic, Portrait of a Woman in Mosaic and the Mosaics of Dioskurides.

Secret Room (Gabinetto Segreto)

The Naples Museum features the unique and intriguing Secret Room, which houses a collection of 250 sexually explicit artifacts discovered during excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Highlights include the Statue of Pan copulating with a goat and Leda and the Swan.

Numismatics Collection

This collection boasts a comprehensive range of coins, tracing their history from the earliest minting in Magna Graecia to those issued during the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Don't miss the Aureo of Augustus and the Fullonic from this collection.

History of the Naples National Archaeological Museum

17th and 18th centuries

From 1616-1777, the building that would later be known as the National Archaeological Museum initially served as the seat of the University of Naples and a cavalry barracks as well. in the 18th century, Charles III of Bourbon established the museum, originally known as the Royal Bourbon Museum, driven by his interest in art and culture. He aimed to house antiquities inherited from his mother, Elisabetta Farnese, and the treasures from the recently discovered cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, both devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Later, Ferdinand VI, Charles III's son, further enriched the museum's collection by curating Elisabetta Farnese's Roman artifacts and Vesuvian findings within the museum. During the French domination in Naples, the first facilities for the museum were organized.

19th century to present day

Ferdinand VI exerted significant influence in the turn of events that altered the now-museum's destiny. Despite protestations from the Pope, he moved the Farnese Collection from Rome to Naples, incorporating it to the museum then called Real Museo Borbonico.

Following the unification of Italy in 1860, the museum was officially named the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, marking a new chapter in its history, and was further enhanced by private collections from Caroline Murat and the library of Count Eduardo Lucchesi Palli.

Who built the Naples Museum?

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples, originally known as the Real Museo Borbonico, was established by Charles III of Bourbon, who was the King of Naples in the late 18th century. Charles III played a crucial role in founding the museum, driven by his interest in art and culture. His vision was two-fold:

To house a collection of antiquities inherited from his mother, Elisabetta Farnese, and
To showcase the extraordinary treasures discovered in the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, which had been devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Frequently asked questions about the National Archaeological Museum in Naples

Why was the National Archaeological Museum built?

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples was established to showcase ancient artifacts and archaeological treasures from the Vesuvian region. Today, it is a renowned cultural institution in Italy, preserving and displaying a vast collection of coins, inscriptions and sculptures, along with the Renaissance-era collections of Alexander Farnese and his successors.

How can I get tickets to the National Archaeological Museum Naples?

You can either purchase your Naples National Archaeological Museum tickets online on-spot, although opting for the latter method might mean waiting in long queues, particularly during peak tourist seasons. As a result, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance online. This allows you to select a specific date and time slot for your visit, and also give you the option of booking guided tours, combo tours, etc.

Which are some of the popular artworks at the Naples National Archaeological Museum?

Some unmissable works include the detailed and colorful Alexander Mosaic, the colossal Farnese Hercules, and the Secret Cabinet's explicit art salvaged from Herculaneum and Pompeii, among others.

What is the Naples Archaeological Museum famous for?

The Naples National Archaeological Museums is known for its array of ancient treasures and collections that provide a glimpse into Roman, Greek and even Egyptian historic life. It has artefacts from Egypt as well as artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other cities buried by the explosion of Mount Vesuvius.

When did the Naples National Archaeological Museum open?

Under the Bourbon King Charles III, the museum opened in 1777. After the unification of Italy in 1860, the museum was nationalized and renamed the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.