Discover the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, a true institution mainly oriented around ancient history. His Greek-Roman collection is one of the most impressive in the world.
Whether you’re passionate about art, history, archaeology or simply passing through the beautiful city of Naples, don’t miss visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples . Located close to the historic centre, it gathers one of the largest collections of antiques in the world, with pieces of an extraordinary variety accumulated over the centuries, in a remarkable state of conservation.
Also read: The 14 things to do in Naples
History of the National Archaeological Museum in Naples
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Giannis Papanikos
The origin of the museum is connected to Charles III of Bourbon, King of Naples. Its birth dates back to the end of the 18th century. The King first inherited from his mother, Elizabeth Farnese, a rich collection of paintings and antiques. They were so far preserved. Rome And Parma. Curious, the sovereign quickly undertakes archaeological excavations to explore the cities buried by the eruption of the Vesuvius In 79 AD. Research starts with Herculanum in 1738 and then Pompeii in 1748. They provide an impressive collection of antique objects.
The idea of bringing together the two collections into a single building and adding a library was formed in 1777. The collections are gathered in the current building, the Palazzo degli Studi , built at the end of the sixteenth century. Until then, this Palazzo is the seat of a cavalry barracks and the University of Naples. It is Ferdinand IV, son of Charles III, who leads the works of enlargement and then manages to bring back the works to Naples, despite the Pope’s desire to keep the Farnese collection in the eternal city.
The arrival of Napoleonic troops, then the French domination between 1806 and 1815, put an end to the project. However, Ferdinand IV resumed its throne in 1816. Impatient, he finally opens the museum under the name Real Museo Borbonico .
The museum became the National Museum of Naples in 1860 after the unification of Italy. The collection continues to be enriched by the acquisition of finds from excavations in the Campania region and South Italy. Many private collections are added to the fund. The library and the pinacoteca will then be transferred to other places and leave the museum dedicated to the only archaeology, becoming the National Archaeological Museum of Naples in 1957.
What to see and do at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples?
Photo credit: Rrrainbow via Shutterstock
Like all major museums, you will find it difficult to browse all rooms in one day. You can nevertheless visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples building your itinerary among the different spaces we present you.
The basements of the Museum
Here Egyptian art lovers will be filled. However, the basements of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples contain many other secrets and mysteries. We obviously think of the many epigraphy but also of the magnificent statues, including that of the Lady of Naples, in room 19. Don’t hesitate to stop in front of the Canopes vases in rooms 21 and 23.
The ground floor
On the ground floor we find the Farnese collection with the famous statues of Hercules and Aphrodite. The Farnese Bull is located in Room 16, one of the most monumental sculpted ensembles of classical antiquity. Sculpted in a single marble block and measuring more than 5 meters high, it impresses by the richness of its details. At this level there are also gemstones and gems, as well as the garden of the Fontaines and the Camélias.
The floors
You can continue visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples On the first floor. You will discover mosaics, numismatic space and secret cabinet. The mosaics are found on the sites of Pompeii, Herculanum and Stabies. Don’t miss the representation of Alexandria’s battle, retracing Alexander’s victory over Darius, King of Persia.
The secret cabinet gathers the frescoes and erotic objects discovered during excavations. Surprisingly this part is often crowded!
On the second floor there are many rooms related to Pompei among them frescoes, the temple of Isis and the model of the city buried. You will be able to observe many everyday objects and to take you back into the life of ancient times. The sundial lounge and the Herculanum papyrus villa will allow you to finish visit of the National Archaeological Museum in Naples .
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum presents temporary exhibitions focused on the work of an artist or on a particular theme (Egypt in Naples, nature and myth...) and occasional events: meetings with artists, exchanges with other museums...
How to go to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples?
Ideally located in the heart of the city of Naples, you can combine your visit to the museum with a discovery of the old centre and the church of San Gregorio Armeno, the Museum of Torture or the Via dei Presepi Napoletani, a street decorated with all kinds of cribs and santons.
You can easily visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples by bus, train and subway.
By metro
The museum is located near the two metro lines of the city:
- Line 1, Museo stop, 100 meters walk
- Line 2, stop Piazza Cavour, 500 meters on foot.
By bus
The Museo Nazionale stop is served by lines 139, 147, 168, 178, 460, 604, C63, N3, N4, N8 and is located 100 metres walk from the museum.
By train
Piazza Cavour Station is 500 metres from the museum. It is also connected to bus lines 147 and N4 that serve the Museo Nazionale stop.
Schedules and prices of the National Archaeological Museum in Naples
Schedule
You can visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples Monday to Sunday from 9am to 7:30pm. Some Thursdays during the months of June and July, the museum closes its doors at 11:00 p.m., learn about the museum's official website.
The museum is closed every Tuesday, December 25 and January 1. The ticket office closes at 7:00.
Rates
- Full day rate : 15 €
- Less than 18 years old: free
- European citizens between 18 and 25 years old : 2 €
- Night Ticket 19h-23h : 2 €
- ArteCard Special Ticket: 7,50 €
The OpenMann card allows visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples as well as temporary exhibitions for 365 days from its date of activation to the museum’s boxes. It also allows for discounts on the museum’s events, on the sites of the ExtraMann circuit, the library and the museum’s café... It is sold 25 euros for adults, 40 euros for families (2 adults + all children) and 13 euros for the 18-25 years.
Tip: It is possible to buy a cut-file ticket online for visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples valid all year long and allows not to queue. An additional cost of 2 euros is requested, for a total price of 17 euros.
Come on. visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples free of charge for the following periods:
- Every first Sunday of the month between October and March
- During the museum week in March
- March 21, Spring Day
- For the feast of Saint Gennaro, September 19
Audioguides are available at a rate of 5 euros in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.
One hour guided tours take place every day at 11am and 12.30pm in Italian and English, at a rate of 5 euros.
Admission for schools is set at 5 euros (group of 12 to 45 people). One-hour educational visits are offered to schools (maximum 30 people) in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.
Good to know.
- Personal photos are allowed in the museum’s enclosure, without flash, foot or selfie cane.
- The entire museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to lifts and access ramps. Wheelchairs and tablets with sign language video guide are available at the info point. On reservation, tactile routes and workshops for visually impaired and visually impaired persons are organized.
- A locker room is available for free to place umbrellas, backpacks and other bulky items.
- A cafeteria offers refreshments. It is located on the ground floor, near the hall, opposite the entrance of the museum.
Loading comments ...