Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Nápoles, Campânia
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
The MANN houses one of the largest collections of Roman art in the world: sculptures from the Farnese collection and mosaics and frescoes taken from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, called the MANN, is housed in a large 16th-century palace that was once a cavalry barracks and the university seat. The collection began with the Farnese collection, inherited by the Bourbon kings, and grew with material from the excavations of Vesuvius started in the 18th century.
On the ground floor are the Farnese sculptures, including the Hercules Farnese and the Bull (Toro) Farnese, a group carved from a single block of marble. On the mezzanine are the Pompeii mosaics, notably the Alexander mosaic, which depicts the battle between Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius, taken from the House of the Faun.
The upper floor brings together frescoes from the houses of Pompeii and Herculaneum, everyday objects, the large cork model of Pompeii, and the Egyptian section is in the basement. The Gabinetto Segreto, a room with erotic pieces from Antiquity, has a separate access within the route.
For those going to Pompeii, a visit to the museum helps to understand the site: many original objects came from the houses that visitors see empty among the ruins. The museum usually closes on Tuesdays; check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the essentials. Those who enjoy archaeology can spend half a day.
Best time
The early morning opening is quieter. Seeing the museum before Pompeii gives context to the ruins; seeing it afterward helps recognize the objects.
How to get there
Metro Line 1 (Museo station) or Line 2 (Piazza Cavour station), with exits practically at the door. From the centro storico it’s a few minutes’ walk uphill along Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli.
Tip
Buy tickets in advance on busy days. Some rooms may be closed due to staff shortages or renovation: check the notice at the entrance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli
What should not be missed at the MANN?
The sculptures of the Farnese collection, the Alexander mosaic from the House of the Faun, the frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the cork model of Pompeii.
Is the museum open every day?
It usually closes on Tuesdays. Hours change on holidays and for events: check before you go.
Is it worth visiting the MANN before or after Pompeii?
Either works. Beforehand helps imagine the decorated houses; afterwards the visitor recognizes where the mosaics and frescoes came from.