Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Naples: complete guide

Naples’ National Archaeological Museum is home to many treasures, including pieces from the ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Below, we provide you with all the practical information you need to organize your visit.

Practical information MANN tour and tickets

Guided tours and immersive experiences

For visitors wishing to deepen their knowledge, the museum offers several guided tour options. Thematic tours focus on specific sections such as Pompeii, Herculaneum or the Farnese collection. The guides, often archaeologists or art history experts, offer detailed explanations and fascinating anecdotes to enrich the experience.

An exceptional collection of antique objects

The MANN National Archaeological Museum of Naples is above all famous for its collections from the excavations of the archaeological sites of Pompeii. and Herculaneum, two Roman cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. These artifacts found beneath layers of volcanic ash offer an extraordinary insight into daily life in Roman times. The rooms feature intricate mosaics, colorful wall frescoes and perfectly preserved marble sculptures.

The most impressive pieces include the famous Alexander Mosaic, found in the House of the Faun in Pompeii, which depicts a battle scene between Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius. There are also more modest but no less fascinating objects, such as kitchen utensils, jewelry and handicraft tools that bear witness to the daily lives of the inhabitants of these ancient cities.

In addition to the Roman remains, the museum boasts a surprising Egyptian section, with sarcophagi, mummies and funerary objects. This collection, though smaller, offers an unexpected interlude in a museum primarily focused on Greco-Roman art. It diversifies the visitor experience and reveals Egypt’s influence on ancient culture.

This is a museum to add to your itinerary when visiting Naples in winter.

The famous Farnese Collection

Another flagship section of the museum is the Farnese Collection, an impressive collection of classical sculptures assembled by the Farnese family, a powerful 16th-century Italian dynasty. The most famous sculptures include the gigantic Hercules Farnese, an imposing statue showing the hero resting after his famous twelve labors, and the spectacular Farnese Bull, one of the largest ancient sculptures ever found, depicting a dramatic mythological scene.

These works testify to the interest of Italian Renaissance aristocrats in Antiquity, and their desire to recreate the grandeur of Greek and Roman civilizations. The finesse of the details, the impressive size of the sculptures and their state of preservation make this collection a must-see for anyone interested in art history.

The secret cabinet

In addition to sculptures and objets d’art, the museum boasts a more intimate but equally fascinating collection: the Secret Cabinet. This section houses frescoes and erotic objects discovered at Pompeii, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Roman society linked to mythology. This collection, once reserved for a restricted public, is now accessible to all, offering a unique insight into Roman mores.

Where is Naples’ national archaeological museum?

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is located right in the center of Naples.

Museum video

Here are a few images from the Naples Archaeological Museum to help you prepare for your visit.

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