The Naples National Archaeological Museum, or Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, ranks among Italy’s premier archaeology museums and is a definite must-see in Naples. Established by King Charles II in the late 18th century, this museum boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Visitors can admire an array of mosaics, sculptures, gems, and glassware, as well as Roman erotica sourced primarily from excavations at prominent sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Naples Archaeology Museum Highlights
- Mosaics – Spanning from two centuries BC to the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, the mosaics include remarkable works from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae. Notably, the House of the Faun features renowned mosaic artworks.
- Secret Cabinet – Established in the early 1800s, this intriguing room showcases a variety of sexual artifacts. After many years of closure, it reopened in 2000, and visitors must be at least 11 years old to enter.
- Frescoes – Predominantly originating from Pompeii, these frescoes illustrate Roman painting’s breadth, depicting mythological themes, landscapes, and daily life scenes.
- Temple of Isis – A dedicated exhibit presents wall paintings and artifacts salvaged from the Temple of Isis in Pompeii.
- Pompeii Model – Constructed in the 19th century, this detailed model offers a vivid visualization of Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption.
- Sculptures – The museum houses a vast collection of stunning Greek and Roman sculptures, showcasing the artistry of both cultures.
- Coins and Metals – Within six extensive rooms, over 200,000 coins and medals from Ancient Greece, Rome, medieval times, and the Bourbon era are meticulously displayed.
- Prehistory and Early History – These sections inclusively cover the Bay of Naples, showcasing artifacts from paleolithic times through the Greek colonization in the 8th century BC, with a focus on the Etruscan occupation.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples Visitor Information
- Location: Piazza Museo 19, 80135 Napoli
- Metro Station: Museo. Please note that parking is not available.
Save on admission by purchasing the Naples or Campania Artecard, either in advance or at the museum’s entrance.
