What to See at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples: Hours, Prices, and Tips

The quantity and quality of the works displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) have led it over time to become one of the most important archaeological museums in Europe, as well as one of the most famous and important attractions in Naples. Known for its collections that include all the findings from the excavations of the archaeological areas of Pompeii, it also houses significant Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Egyptian artifacts. Here's what you need to know to plan a visit.

What to see and how to visit the National Archaeological Museum

More than 3000 artifacts spanning a period from prehistory to modern times and sourced from sites and collections across the Mediterranean area are displayed over an area of 12,650 square meters. The museum is divided into sections, organized according to the following exhibition criteria.

Exterior Neapolis Station: archaeological finds from the Naples metro
Basement Egyptian Collection and Epigraphic Collection
Ground Floor Farnese Collection and Pompeian Collections
Mezzanine Pompeian Collections (Mosaics-House of the Faun, Secret Cabinet) and Numismatics
First Floor Hall of the Meridian, Pompeian Collections, Topographical Section

1 - Frescoes and Pompeian Mosaics

During the restoration of the Pompeii area, some frescoes were brought to the museum for restoration and since then, once the work was completed, they have become part of the permanent collection on the first floor. Important and evocative are the Roman-era paintings, mostly representing scenes of daily life, hunting, or mythical themes. There are also many restored artifacts and mosaics. Among the displayed inscriptions is the Tragic Mask, a mosaic of Alexander the Great, and the Cave Canem. Noteworthy is the mosaic of the Battle of Issus, which depicts Alexander the Great's victory over Darius of Persia.

2 - Farnese Collection

The creation of this collection is attributed to Alessandro Farnese, later Pope Paul III, and other members of his family, consisting of a large quantity of ancient and modern objects intended to decorate the Farnese Palace in Rome. The collection is a result of acquisitions made by the family as well as commissions to the most important artists of the time, and consists of paintings, sculptures, and everything that is "art". Not to be missed is the Farnese Bull, the largest marble statue ever found that astonished even Michelangelo. Dated between the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, it represents the punishment of Dirce. Other notable works to observe closely are the large Hercules, a 3-meter statue found at the Baths of Caracalla, and Donatello's Head of a Horse.

3 - Secret Cabinet

In 2000, the Secret Cabinet was opened to the public with all its material, including sculptures, paintings, and various objects, with a predominantly erotic theme. In Roman times, the phallic symbol was considered effective against the evil eye and diseases and a sign of prosperity; hence a series of amulets brought by men and women or displayed in shops where the male member is the subject of the work. Approximately 250 artifacts are exhibited, including statues, mosaics, and frescoes, with the most important work being a statue depicting the god Pan in the act of mating with a goat.

4 - Villa of the Papyri

Between 1750 and 1764, the Villa of the Papyri was discovered, one of the richest and most sumptuous Roman villas in the south. The museum houses busts, statues, and heads of bronze from the Villa, along with five statues depicting The Dancers, others in bronze, papyri, and busts.

5 - Egyptian Collection

Rich in common use objects, funerary items, and manuscripts from Egypt, as well as significant archaeological finds, the collection has considerable historical value and has developed over time through artifacts found and acquisitions from private collections. The Borgia family began collecting the artifacts, which later passed to the Bourbons, who made them public in 1821. It is now considered one of the most important exhibitions in the world outside of Egypt, showcasing mummies, sarcophagi, votive objects, statues, and jewelry, with perhaps the most prized piece being the Dama di Napoli, a sculpture dating to 2700 BC.

Hours and Prices

Hours every day from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (excluding Tuesday)
Closure day Tuesday
Best time to avoid queues morning at opening or at lunchtime.
Ticket price adult €18.00
Reductions €2.00 for EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old - special discount for ArtCard holders (50% admission)
Free admission under 18 - free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month from October to March - from March 6 to 10, 2019 "Museum Week" - March 21, May 12, 19, and 26 - August 11, 18, and 25 - September 19

Online Tickets and Guided Tours

Useful Tips for Visiting the Attraction

Wake up early ideally, arrive at the entrance by 9:00 AM
Purchase the card with the Naples Artecard entitles you to priority access to the most important museums, archaeological parks, and cultural sites in the city, unlimited rides on the integrated transport network available in Naples and Campania. The cost for 3 days is €21.00 for adults and €12.00 for those aged 18-25 years. Naples: 3-day pass for attractions and public transport
Priority ticket with Naples Artecard
Watch for restrictions large bags or backpacks are not allowed and food consumption inside exhibition spaces is prohibited. Photography is permitted without flash and tripods, and professional photos must be authorized by the management.
Visit time the minimum visit time is 2 hours, but it is recommended to dedicate half a day to fully enjoy the museum.

Location and How to Get There

On foot from Naples Piazza Cavour station, the museum is about 500 meters away, reachable on foot in less than 10 minutes. Get directions
By bus take bus no. 147 from Piazza Cavour, reaching the museum in 5 minutes for a fare of €1.10 for a single ride
By Metro the Naples metro has a connection station right below the museum (Cavour/Museum, line 1 and line 2)

Historical Background and Curiosities: What to Know in Brief

Before being a museum, the 1585 palace housed a riding school and later a university, and in 1816 became the first home to artifacts and then a museum. The origin and formation of the collections are linked to Carlo III of Bourbon, who ruled the Kingdom of Naples from 1734, and his cultural and educational policy. In 1860 it became a National Museum due to the large number of artifacts housed, and each year it acquires important pieces from private collections or excavations, now counting 12,650 square meters of exhibition space with significant tourist traffic for the city of Naples and the region. Given the size of the entire building, it has also been hosting classical and jazz music events and temporary exhibitions of great value for several years.