MANN — Museo Archeologico Nazionale
P.za Museo
FamousMuseums
The story
One of the world's great archaeological museums: here the Toro Farnese, the mosaics of Pompeii and the Gabinetto Segreto tell the whole ancient Mediterranean in a single visit.
Access
€ 20 (reduced €2 for EU citizens 18-25), 1st Sunday of the month free, closed Tuesday; Metro L1 Museo / L2 Cavour
The story
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples — the MANN — is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. Founded in 1777 and opened in 1816 as the Royal Bourbon Museum, it brings together three great cores: the statuary of the Farnese collection, the finds from the Vesuvian area (Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae) and the Egyptian collection, the oldest in Italy.
What to see
Absolute masterpieces: the Farnese Bull, the largest sculptural group to have come down from antiquity, the Battle of Issus, the great mosaic from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, the frescoes and bronzes of the Vesuvian cities, and the famous Secret Cabinet. It is the museum that completes a visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum: this is where their treasures ended up.
Tips
It is vast: reckon on at least half a day, or choose in advance the sections that interest you (Vesuvian, Farnese, Egyptian). Ideal to combine, before or after, with a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum. Check hours, tickets and closures on the official site. It is in Piazza Museo, well served by the metro.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at the MANN in Naples?
The Farnese collection (including the Farnese Bull), finds from the Vesuvian area such as the Battle of Issus, and the oldest Egyptian collection in Italy.
Why visit the MANN together with Pompeii and Herculaneum?
Because many of the most precious finds discovered in the Vesuvian excavations are kept here: the museum completes their visit.
When was the MANN founded?
In 1777, opened to the public in 1816, as the Royal Bourbon Museum.
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