How to visit and what to see in the Archaeological Museum of Naples: schedules

When you travel to a city for tourism, it is not always worth visiting its museums, since it takes time and they may not have enough attraction and it is more worth exploring its streets or seeing other monuments.

On the other hand, in the case of Nápoles There is a museum that should become a must-see and a priority over other possible options.

I mean the National Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection that is truly marvelous.

In this museum you can see the artistic objects found in the Pompeii excavations and Farnese collection of classical sculptures, which in itself justifies the tourist trip to Naples.

What to see when visiting the Archaeological Museum of Naples

In preparation for your visit, I give you some advice on what you should see on your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

To begin with, one's own museum building It already has architectural interest.

Curiosities history Archaeological Museum of Naples

It dates back to 1585 and is one of the most interesting palaces of naples.

Initially it was the headquarters of the University of Naples and the Royal Library, but from 1777 it became Royal Museum, going on to house the archaeological collections from Pompeii and Herculaneum and the ones he had king Carlos III.

Later they joined private collections, such as the Farnese, and the egyptian collection Stephano Borgia, and it was also enriched with new discoveries from the excavations of the Vesuvius volcano.

Finally, in the 20th century, after the transfer of the library's funds, it became the National Archaeological Museum.

Now, more than its exterior, the great attraction of the Naples Archaeological Museum building You find it in a specific interior room.

Hall of the Meridiana in the Archaeological Museum of Naples

It is the spectacular Meridian Hall, which due to its enormous dimensions can remind you of Cinquecento Hall of the Palazzo Vecchio de Florence.

Located on the second floor, as a prelude to the collections of frescoes and objects from Pompeii, it is a room of enormous dimensions, which are magnified by its marble floor being almost completely clear.

El Meridian Hall was occupied in its day by the Royal Library, but currently, in addition to its aforementioned dimensions, what will catch your attention the most are the frescoes that cover its entire ceiling, which were made by Pietro Bardellini.

The very high walls of the Meridiana Hall of the Archaeological Museum are occupied by tapestries and paintings.

On the living room floor there is a large drawing of a sundial dating back to the 18th century.

My advice is that you dedicate the time that this room deserves to appreciate its artistic wealth, before entering to see the collection of objects from Pompeii and other ancient Roman enclaves.

Frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii in the Archaeological Museum of Naples

Which from my point of view totally A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naples is essential is the aforementioned collection of frescoes, mosaics and objects from the excavations of Pompeii and other places that suffered the eruption of Vesuvius.

What's more, I can tell you that you visit to the excavations of Pompeii will be incomplete if you do not see the collection of the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

This is a spectacular exhibition of frescoes recovered from the excavations carried out, not only in Pompeii, but in the different archaeological enclaves that surround the Vesuvius volcano, among which also stands out Herculaneum.

If what interests you about the Pompeii visit it was just seeing the famous Roman frescoes and mosaics, you will not need to go to the excavations, but you will have to visit this Naples museum. which is where the most outstanding samples are found.

What will catch your attention the most during your visit to the museum will be the collection of mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum, with different configurations and very colorful drawings.

Also worth highlighting are the bronze sculptures of the Villa of Pisón of the Herculaneum excavations, or the paintings and objects rescued in the Temple of Isis of Pompeii.

As curious corners are the so-called Secret Cabinet, with erotic paintings rescued from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the large model of Pompeii.

Large model of Pompeii in the Archaeological Museum of Naples

The impressive Pompeii model It will allow you to have an interesting perspective of how these archaeological remains are currently found.

This  Pompeii model It began to be built in 1861, and made on a 1:100 scale, it shows with great fidelity details of the different houses and buildings that you can see during your visit to the excavations.

Over the years the Pompeii model It was assembled and disassembled several times, until, finally, after the Second World War, was installed in the Naples Archaeological Museum, where you can now see it.

In it you will only miss the model of the most external areas of the excavations, such as the great amphitheater of pompeii, as well as buildings that have come to light in recent excavations.

Farnese Collection in Naples Archaeological Museum

Another of the great attractions of the Neapolitan museum is the Farnese Collection.

It is an impressive display of sculptures and monumental sculptural groups from the Antiquity, from Greek and Roman times.

The two most important sculptural jewels are the Farnese Bull and Farnese Hercules.

El National Archaeological Museum you find it in the National Museum Square, not far from Spanish Quarter of Naples.

Naples Archaeological Museum hours

The Naples Archaeological Museum visiting hours They are every day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 19,30:XNUMX p.m., with last entry half an hour before closing, except on Tuesdays when it is closed to visitors.

Naples Archaeological Museum ticket prices

The ticket prices to visit the Archaeological Museum of Naples The general rate is 15 euros, and the reduced rate is 2 euros, from which citizens of the city benefit. European Union whose age is 18 to 25 years.

They can visit the Naples Archaeological Museum for free children under 18 years of age and people with disabilities.