Naples National Archaeological Museum
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Latest update: 17 January 2024
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By: Dion Protani
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The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the major tourist sites in Naples, attracting around half a million visitors every year. It's situated at the edge of the city's centro storico: the area with the greatest concentration of sights.
The museum is easy to reach via public transport with the Museo Metro stop just a few minutes' walk from its entrance. |
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Profile
The Naples National Archaeological Museum, known as Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli in Italian, is a world-renowned museum located in Naples, Italy. It is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks from ancient civilizations, including ancient Rome, Pompeii, and Herculaneum.
The museum is housed in the former Real Bourbon Palace of Naples, a magnificent 17th-century building. It was officially established as a museum in the late 18th century, during the Bourbon rule in Naples, and has since undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection.
The museum's exhibits cover a vast range of archaeological finds, including sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, pottery, jewelry, and everyday objects from the ancient Roman period. Some of the most famous artifacts on display include the Farnese Bull, the Toro Farnese, a colossal Roman marble sculpture, and the Alexander Mosaic, a renowned mosaic depicting Alexander the Great.
The museum is housed in the former Real Bourbon Palace of Naples, a magnificent 17th-century building. It was officially established as a museum in the late 18th century, during the Bourbon rule in Naples, and has since undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection.
The museum's exhibits cover a vast range of archaeological finds, including sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, pottery, jewelry, and everyday objects from the ancient Roman period. Some of the most famous artifacts on display include the Farnese Bull, the Toro Farnese, a colossal Roman marble sculpture, and the Alexander Mosaic, a renowned mosaic depicting Alexander the Great.
History
The origins of the museum can be traced back to the 16th century when the Farnese family began collecting ancient sculptures. However, it was officially established as a museum in 1816 when Ferdinand I of Bourbon decided to open the royal collection to the public. Since then, the museum's collection has continued to grow through archaeological excavations, donations, and acquisitions.
Throughout the years, the museum has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Italy's rich cultural heritage, becoming a significant center for the study of archaeology and ancient history.
Throughout the years, the museum has played a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Italy's rich cultural heritage, becoming a significant center for the study of archaeology and ancient history.
Key features
- Farnese Collection: The museum houses the prestigious Farnese Collection, an extraordinary assemblage of ancient sculptures collected by the Farnese family during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The collection includes numerous masterpieces from Greek and Roman antiquity.
- Pompeii and Herculaneum Artifacts: The museum is home to an impressive array of artifacts recovered from the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the daily life, culture, and art of the ancient Roman world.
- Egyptian Collection: The museum boasts an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, funerary objects, and statuary, making it one of the most important Egyptian collections in Italy.
Visitor information
- Opening Hours: The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday. The specific opening hours may vary depending on the season, so it's best to check the official website before planning your visit.
- Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the museum. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours may be available for visitors who wish to delve deeper into the museum's exhibits and history. Audioguides are also often available in multiple languages.
- Accessibility: The museum is generally accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Elevators and ramps are provided to ensure inclusivity.
MANN Napoli - Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
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City: Naples
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Region: Campania Established: 1777 Close by: Naples Cathedral, Santa Maria Donnaregina Vecchia Recommended accommodation: NapoliMia Hotel |
Top Attraction
Annual visitor numbers: 670,594
Ranked number 10 in Italy in 2019
Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Annual visitor numbers: 670,594
Ranked number 10 in Italy in 2019
Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism
