museo archeologico nazionale di napoli

Typology:  Archaeology

Location:  Naples and Campania

• OmniTicket presale

The history of this museum began in 1734 with the arrival of Charles of Bourbon. His son, Ferdinand, decided to construct a magnificent museum in which to hold objects and items found in the excavations in and around Vesuvius and the rich Farnese collection. The actual museum was located on the old site of the Palazzo degli Studi which was restored firstly by Fuga and then, later, by Schiantarelli. With the unification of Italy the museum became national and was enriched by new acquisitions and a reorganisation of existing collections. In 1957 the picture gallery was transferred to Reggia di Capodimonte and, thereby, today’s national museum was realised; one of the most richly endowed archaeological museums in existence and particularly rich in Greco-roman holdings.
The Epigraphy Collection. This contains documents in Greek, Oscan, Latin and various other pre-roman languages. Among these are both political and religious texts and a selection of inscriptions found in the area of Vesuvius.
The Egyptian Collection. Testifying to the relationship between Egypt and the Roman world from the fourth century B.C., this collection includes a variety of Egyptian artefacts including mummified humans, a mummified crocodile and a statue of Anubis from Cuma.
The Farnese Collection. This is made up of over 400 sculptures, paintings, gems and precious materials. Of the sculptures one of the most noted is the enormous Tirannicidi, a copy of an original Athenean work from the Villa Adriana in Tivoli. Other noted pieces include the Hercules of Farnese and the Bull of Farnese. Frescoes from the ville vesuviane (villas in the Vesuvius region) are also displayed as are the sculptures from the Villa dei Papiri (Villa of Papyri). In all there are 50 marble sculptures and 21 statues which exhibit a Roman interpretation of an artistic style which originated in Lysippus. In one particular section, the so-called secret cabinet, are displayed various objects of erotic art found at Pompeii during excavations there.
The museum also frequently hosts shows and exhibitions of contemporary art.

Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali, Soprintendenza per i beni archeologici di Napoli e Caserta

NOTICE: the egyptian collection is temporary closed

Prices: 

Timetables: 

Services: