The National Archaeological Museum of Naples , Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli , is one of the best archeology museums in Italy and a must-see site in Naples. The museum, established by King Charles II in the late 18th century, has one of the best collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the world, including mosaics, sculptures, gems, glass and silver, and a collection of Roman erotica from Pompeii. Many of the objects come from excavations in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and nearby archaeological sites.
Highlights of the Naples Museum of Archeology
- Mosaics – Spanning the period from two centuries BC to the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, most mosaics are parts of floors or walls from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae. many have figures from Greek paintings. The best known are the mosaics in the House of the Faun in Pompeii.
- Secret Cabinet – This room was created in the early 1800s to house the museum’s many sex items. It was closed for many years, but reopened in 2000. Visitors must be at least 11 years old.
- Frescoes : Most of the frescoes come from the walls of Pompeii. Covering a period of approximately two centuries, the frescoes are excellent examples of Roman painting. They cover a variety of topics, including mythological, landscapes, and scenes from everyday life.
- Temple of Isis – A special exhibition contains wall paintings removed from the Temple of Isis in Pompeii, as well as artifacts from the temple.
- Pompeii Model : Made in the 19th century, the Pompeii model is highly detailed and helps the visitor visualize what it was like before the eruption.
- Sculptures – The museum has a large collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, many of them Greek and Roman.
- Coins and Metals – Six rooms containing more than 200,000 coins and medals from ancient Greece, Rome, medieval times, and the Bourbon era.
- Prehistory and Early History : These rooms cover objects related to the Bay of Naples from the Paleolithic era to the Greek colonization in the 8th century BC. There is a section on the Etruscan occupation of the area.
Naples National Archaeological Museum Visitor Information
- Location : Piazza Museo 19, 80135 Napoli
- Subway station: Museum. No parking available.
Save on entry with Naples or Campania Artecard. It can be purchased in advance or directly at the museum.
