DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

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Among the world’s top museums of ancient art, Naples’ Archaeological Museum overwhelms with its wealth of beautiful and priceless objects. The building itself was built in the 16th century as headquarters for the royal cavalry and converted a century later into a university. Another century saw it turned into a museum, the Real Museo Borbonico, to house the Farnese collection and the fascinating finds that were brought to light at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Now the Farnese Collection is broken up, with the paintings at Capodimonte and the books in the National Library, leaving this museum to focus on its ancient marvels.
The museum is constantly being reorganized, so be prepared for changes in exhibition spaces and closures of some sections.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. Marble Sculpture

Some of the world’s most renowned ancient Classical sculptures are housed here, by artists such as Phidias, Lysippus, Praxiteles and Polyclitus. Also of great importance are the striking Greek and Roman portrait busts. Ground floor.
2. Bronze Sculpture

A true treasure-trove of bronze masterpieces, including a Resting Hermes, Fauns, Water-Bearers and a host of statues and busts. First floor.
3. Friezes, Frescoes & Murals

These Roman works excavated from Pompeii disclose a great deal about the society and religion of the time. First floor.
4. Mosaics

Romans had a love of mosaic decoration, for both floors and walls. Small chips of coloured glass and stone (tesserae ) were used to create scenes of every genre. Mezzanine.
5. II Gabinetto Segreto

Once held too obscene to be shown, this collection can now be seen by appointment. In frescoes, sculptures, mosaics and more, we can sense the exuberant sexuality of the ancient world. Mezzanine.
6. Glass & Stone Vessels

Masters at producing coloured and transparent glassware, the Romans carried these techniques to artistic heights. The celebrated Farnese Cup is engraved, in semiprecious stone with layers of sardonyx and agate. First floor.
7. Pottery & Metal Vessels

Pottery here includes Greek and Etruscan kraters and Roman terracotta jars, vases and figurines. Grecian urns, with red figures on black backgrounds, depict a variety of scenes. Cups and lanterns also feature. First floor.
8. Incised Gems, Coins & Epigraphs

The collection of incised gems contains Greek and Roman pieces, while bronze, silver and gold coins include some from Magna Graecia. Ancient written records include the bronze Tavole di Eraclea (3rd century BC). Ground floor.
9. Weapons, Jewellery, & Domestic Items

Shields, helmets and swords remind us that the ancient world was one of combat, but metal-smiths also made adornments such as armlets. Domestic items include lamps and cups. Basement.
10. Egyptian & Prehistoric Items

This collection contains examples of art from the Ancient Kingdom (2700– 2200 BC) down to the Roman age. Funereal steles, vases, statuettes, sarcophagi and mummies can be seen here. Basement & first floor.

Practical Information

For an array of places to eat and drink, head for Piazza Bellini. Caffè Arabo is a delicious choice – take a table outside so that you can gaze upon the excavated Greek walls in the centre of the piazza. Make an appointment to tour II Gabinetto Segreto at the entrance to the museum. You will be given a time and a choice of languages. Piazza Museo 19 081 564 89 41 www.archeona.arti.beniculturali.it Open 9am–8pm Wed–Mon (ticket office closes 7pm) Adm €6.50 II Gabinetto Segreto: Open for tours 9:30am–6:30pm Wed–Mon