The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is one of the most visited museums in Italy and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts from antiquity. Considered not just a museum but a cultural institution, the Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy is a fundamental stop while visiting Naples. The collections include works from Roman, Greek, and Egyptian times, in particular Roman artifacts from the sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. The museum is housed in a building that was built as cavalry barracks in 1585 and later became the University of Naples before finally becoming the National Archaeological Museum.

National Archaeological Museum in Naples: What to see

The National Museum in Naples is packed with fascinating artifacts and housed within a charming neoclassical building. A guardian of priceless treasures, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is home to mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, Roman statues and unique artefacts. The museum is divided into three fascinating sections: The Pompeii Collection, the Farnese Collection and The Egyptian Collection.

Artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum

The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and buried deep under ash. The first two floors are dedicated to the artifacts that were recovered from the sites. The collections include frescoes, statues and mosaics that provide a glimpse of what life was like in the ancient cities:

-Fauns house: a mosaic from Pompeii,    depicting Alexander the Great fighting the Persians.

 -Mosaic by Dioscorides, depicting a group of musicians from Cicero’s villa.

Learning about the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum

At the Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy, visitors can learn how the eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the prosperous cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  A series of computer animations, short films and photography will ensure you leave with an in-depth knowledge of the fascinating history surrounding the event. On the second floor there is a scale model of Pompeii, down to millimetric precisions.

The Farnese collection 

Considered one of the most important collections of paintings, sketches, sculptures and drawings in the world. The powerful Farnese family loved to collect masterpieces that they acquired through excavations, antique markets and requisitions. The collection includes wonderful jewellery, hundreds of ancient gems and the Farnese Bowl, which is an enormous carved sardonyx agate from Alexandria in Egypt.

-The Farnese Hercules:  an immense statue depicting the ancient warrior Hercules, seen leaning on the club that he used to slay the Nemean Lion.

-The Farnese Bull: a spectacular sculpture unearthed in Rome’s baths of Caracalla, depicting a particularly violent Greek myth.

The Egyptian collection

The museum has over 2500 artifacts that span from the beginning of the Dynastic period up to the end of the Byzantine era. Seven rooms within the museum are dedicated to the collections of Egyptian antiquities. Each room is dedicated to different artifacts including one of statues of Pharaohs and military officials and another dedicated to burial methods and mummies.

Visiting the Museum 

The museum is in the historic centre of Naples close to Rione Sanità, and is open every day apart from Tuesdays. A visit to the museum can be undertaken independently or with a guided tour to get a deeper insight. It also pairs perfectly with a visit to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lower level of the museum is dedicated to temporary exhibitions which are also well worth a visit, including contemporary art and photographic exhibitions.

Art at Fiumicino airport 

Your journey through Rome Fiumicino airport can be another opportunity to appreciate quality art, as the airport is a space that showcases Italian culture, historic works of art and a stage for upcoming artists. Visitors can admire impressive works of art outside the departure area in Terminal 1, such as ‘Getto di Luce’ by Helidon Xhixha; ‘Marter of Mistakes’ by Daniele Sigalot, as well as three prestigious stained glass windows attributed to Goitto.

Shop&Fly at Fiumicino airport

As you prepare to explore the Archaeological Museum in Naples remember that your passage through Rome Fiumicino airport can become an opportunity for comfort: with Shop&Fly you can buy everything you need online and collect it on the day of departure. And there's more: take advantage of the 10% discount on your online purchases, not combinable with other offers, to make your journey even more enjoyable.

The Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy is home to an immense collection of ancient artifacts, providing visitors with an in-depth glimpse into Roman, Greek and Egyptian history.  A visit to this museum should be high up on any visitors list while visiting Naples. From everyday objects from the cities ruined by Mount Vesuvius to artistic masterpieces excavated from the baths of Caracalla, this museum provides an epic journey through human history.

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