Piazza Museo Nazionale 19
Tel. 081- 564 89 41
Subway: Piazza
Cavour
Open: Wed- Mon
Closed: Jan 1, Dec 25
The National
Archaeological Museum of Naples (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli,
or MANN) is one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to
classical antiquity, renowned for its unparalleled collection of
artifacts from ancient Greco-Roman civilizations, particularly those
excavated from the Vesuvian sites of
Pompeii, Herculaneum,
Oplontis, and Stabiae. Housed
in a grand 16th-century palace in central Naples, Italy, the museum
spans approximately 12,000 square meters of exhibition space across
multiple floors, including basements, ground level, and upper stories.
Established in the late 18th century, it serves as a vital repository
for understanding Roman daily life, art, and engineering, drawing over
700,000 visitors annually as of recent reports. The collection, which
includes sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, gems, and everyday objects,
bridges the gap between myth and history, with highlights like the
Farnese sculptures and the Alexander Mosaic. As of August 25, 2025, the
museum continues to evolve through conservation efforts, digital
enhancements, and temporary exhibitions that address contemporary issues
like artifact repatriation and cultural heritage protection. Its
location at Piazza Museo 19, near the historic center and accessible via
Naples' metro (Museo stop on Line 1), makes it a cornerstone of the
city's UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.
The origins of the MANN trace back to the mid-18th century under King
Charles III of Bourbon (r. 1734–1759), who initiated systematic
excavations at Herculaneum (1738) and Pompeii (1748) to uncover
treasures buried by the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. These finds,
including frescoes, mosaics, and bronzes, formed the nucleus of the
royal collection. In 1777, Ferdinand IV (Charles's son) relocated the
artifacts to the Palazzo degli Studi, a repurposed 16th-century cavalry
barracks originally built in 1585 by architect Domenico Fontana as the
Real Cavallerizza (Royal Stables). This building, expanded in the 17th
century, had served as the University of Naples before its
transformation into a museum.
By 1787, the institution was formalized
as the Real Museo Borbonico (Royal Bourbon Museum), incorporating the
Farnese Collection—acquired through inheritance from Elisabetta Farnese,
mother of Charles III—which included masterpieces from ancient Rome
amassed by the Farnese family in the 16th century. The museum's scope
broadened in the 19th century under French rule (1806–1815), when it was
renamed the Real Museo di Napoli and opened to the public in a limited
capacity. After the Bourbon restoration, it evolved into a national
institution, with significant expansions in the 1860s under Giuseppe
Fiorelli, who introduced modern archaeological methods at Pompeii.
The 20th century brought challenges: the museum suffered damage from
Allied bombings in 1943 during World War II, leading to post-war
reconstructions. In 1957, it was officially designated the National
Archaeological Museum, focusing on classical archaeology while
transferring non-antique items (e.g., medieval and Renaissance art) to
the nearby Capodimonte Museum. Recent decades have emphasized
digitalization and accessibility, with projects like the 2010s
renovation of the Egyptian Collection and ongoing collaborations with
international institutions for artifact loans and repatriations. As of
2025, the MANN operates under the Italian Ministry of Culture, with
director Paolo Giulierini (appointed in 2015 and extended through recent
terms) overseeing initiatives to integrate technology, such as VR tours
of Pompeii exhibits, and addressing global issues like artifact
trafficking.
The MANN occupies the Palazzo degli Studi, a monumental
Renaissance-style building with a rusticated facade, grand staircases,
and courtyards that evoke its origins as a royal stable and university.
The structure features a central courtyard (Cortile delle Statue)
adorned with ancient sculptures, and its interiors blend Baroque
elements—like frescoed ceilings by artists such as Belisario
Corenzio—with modern exhibition spaces. The building's three main floors
plus basements are organized thematically: basements for Egyptian and
epigraphic collections, ground floor for sculptures, first floor for
mosaics and frescoes, and second for coins, gems, and temporary
exhibits.
Located in the heart of Naples' historic district, the
museum is bordered by Piazza Cavour to the north and Via Santa Teresa
degli Scalzi to the east, offering proximity to attractions like the
Catacombs of San Gennaro and the Duomo. Accessibility has improved with
recent upgrades, including ramps and elevators for disabled visitors,
though some older sections retain narrow passages. The museum's gardens,
restored in the 2010s, provide a serene outdoor space for events and
relaxation.
The MANN's holdings exceed 3 million items, with about 20,000 on
permanent display, divided into thematic sections that span from
prehistory to the late Roman Empire. Key collections include:
Farnese Collection (Ground Floor): Inherited from the Farnese family,
this assemblage of over 200 marble sculptures from ancient Rome includes
Hellenistic originals and Roman copies. Highlights encompass monumental
works excavated from sites like the Baths of Caracalla in Rome,
reflecting Renaissance collecting practices.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
Artifacts (First and Second Floors): The museum's crown jewel,
comprising frescoes, mosaics, bronzes, and household items from the
Vesuvian cities. This includes over 100 mosaics from Pompeian villas,
such as those depicting theatrical scenes or marine life, and fresco
panels illustrating myths like Theseus and the Minotaur. The collection
provides unparalleled insights into Roman domestic life, cuisine, and
sexuality.
Gabinetto Segreto (Secret Cabinet, Restricted Access): A
notorious section of erotic art from Pompeii, including phallic amulets,
frescoes of priapic figures, and sculptures like the Pan and Goat group.
Opened to the public in 2000 after centuries of censorship, it requires
separate booking and is limited to adults, offering context on ancient
attitudes toward sexuality.
Egyptian and Epigraphic Collections
(Basement): One of Europe's oldest Egyptian assemblages, with over 2,500
items including mummies, sarcophagi, and papyri from the 3rd millennium
BC to the Ptolemaic era. The epigraphic section features inscriptions in
Latin, Greek, and Oscan, documenting ancient administration and
religion.
Magna Graecia and Prehistoric Sections: Artifacts from
southern Italy's Greek colonies, including vases, terracottas, and
bronzes, alongside prehistoric tools from Campania.
Numismatic and
Gem Collections (Second Floor): Over 200,000 coins from antiquity to the
Bourbon era, and the Farnese Gems, engraved cameos like the Tazza
Farnese (a Hellenistic sardonyx cup).
Standout pieces include:
Alexander Mosaic (First Floor): A
2nd-century BC floor mosaic from Pompeii's House of the Faun, depicting
Alexander the Great battling Darius III, measuring 5.82 x 3.13 meters
and composed of over 1.5 million tesserae.
Farnese Hercules (Ground
Floor): A colossal 3.17-meter marble statue of the hero, a Roman copy of
a Greek original by Lysippos, symbolizing strength and endurance.
Farnese Bull (Ground Floor): The largest surviving ancient sculpture
group (3.7 meters high), carved from a single marble block, showing the
myth of Dirce's punishment.
Portrait of Terentius Neo and His Wife
(First Floor): A Pompeian fresco portraying a baker and his literate
wife, highlighting social mobility in Roman society.
As of August 25, 2025, the MANN is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with last entry at 6:30 PM; galleries begin clearing at 7:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays, December 25, and January 1, but open on most other public holidays. Standard tickets cost €22 for adults, €6 for EU citizens aged 18–24, and €4 for those under 18 (free for under 18s from non-EU countries with ID). Reduced rates apply for teachers, journalists, and disabled visitors (free entry for the latter plus one companion). An annual pass (€35) offers unlimited access, including temporary exhibitions. Skip-the-line tickets and audio guides (€5) are available online via the official website or apps like Tiqets and Viator. Guided tours start at €44, and group bookings for schools are encouraged. Amenities include a cafeteria, bookstore, cloakroom, and wheelchair accessibility (with reserved parking for disabled visitors upon presentation of documentation). Audio guides and apps provide multilingual support, and family-friendly activities are offered on weekends.
In 2025, the MANN has hosted several high-profile events. From
April 14, a major exhibition titled "Stories of Crime and Stolen
Artefacts" showcases over 600 recovered Italian artifacts (dating
from the Archaic period to the Middle Ages), seized from black
market traffickers by the Carabinieri. Items include Greek vases,
Roman statues, and Etruscan bronzes, some once owned by celebrities
like Maria Callas, displayed in the basement to highlight
repatriation efforts. Opened on June 30, "Domus. The Furnishings of
Pompeii" on the second floor explores Pompeian household items, from
furniture to lamps, reconstructing ancient domestic environments
through 3D models and artifacts. In June, controversy arose over a
photography open call for young creatives to reinterpret the
collection, criticized for offering exposure without compensation.
Upcoming collaborations include loans for international shows, such
as the "Art and Life in Imperial Rome: Trajan and His Times" at the
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, featuring MANN's Trajan statue. These
initiatives underscore the museum's role in contemporary dialogues
on heritage preservation.
In summary, the National
Archaeological Museum of Naples stands as an indispensable gateway
to the ancient world, blending historical depth with modern
engagement. Its collections not only preserve the past but also
inspire ongoing research and public education, making it essential
for scholars and tourists alike. For the latest updates, visitors
are encouraged to check the official website or app.