Naples National Archaeological Museum Naples
Home to unparalleled artifacts from Pompeii & Herculaneum, this museum brings ancient Roman life vividly to life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Naples National Archaeological Museum Naples
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to unparalleled artifacts from Pompeii & Herculaneum, this museum brings ancient Roman life vividly to life.
"The Naples Archaeological Museum is absolutely fantastic, especially if you're going to Pompeii."
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak season. Check the official website.
🎧 Use audio guides
Rick Steves' audio guide is highly recommended for context and insights. Download before you go!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pompeii & Herculaneum Artifacts
Various galleries
See mosaics, frescoes, and everyday objects recovered from the ancient cities buried by Vesuvius. Truly brings history to life.
Farnese Collection
Sala Meridiana
Marvel at the impressive Farnese sculptures, including the iconic Atlas Farnese, and vibrant frescoes.
Secret Cabinet
Specific gallery
Discover a unique collection of erotic art and artifacts from Pompeii, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman life.
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Pompeii for Full Context
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak season. Check the official website.
🎧 Use audio guides
Rick Steves' audio guide is highly recommended for context and insights. Download before you go!
🏛️ Combine with Pompeii visit
See Pompeii first, then visit the museum for a deeper understanding of the artifacts. +1
🚶♀️ Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. Prioritize comfort!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book tickets in advance
While not always mandatory, booking ahead can save time, especially during peak season. Check the official website.
🎧 Use audio guides
Rick Steves' audio guide is highly recommended for context and insights. Download before you go!
🏛️ Combine with Pompeii visit
See Pompeii first, then visit the museum for a deeper understanding of the artifacts. +1
🚶♀️ Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. Prioritize comfort!
⏳ Allow at least 2-3 hours
This museum is extensive. Don't try to rush through; savor the incredible history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Naples National Archaeological Museum for its incredible collection, especially the artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, which provide essential context for understanding the ancient sites. The Farnese Collection is another major highlight. Some find the museum vast and recommend allocating ample time, while others suggest it's a must-visit for anyone interested in Roman history.
"So beautiful! a must-see in Naples!
This museum was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s full of stunning life-sized statues with the most amazing details, plus incredible art and artifacts from Pompeii. You really get a feel for what ancient life was like. You could easily spend hours here just wandering around and taking it all in, there’s so much to see!"
Caya Wooning
"The Naples National Archaeological Museum is among the finest museums I have ever visited. Its vast collection includes sculptures, mosaics, wall paintings, glass figurines, and even mummies. Most of the artifacts originate from the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, with the core collection consisting of thousands of wall paintings and mosaics preserved from houses buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Unlike in Pompeii itself, there are no plaster or resin casts of humans or animals in this museum; those remain on display at the archaeological sites and in the local museums of Pompeii.
Among the highlights of the collection is the Farnese Hercules, one of the most celebrated Roman sculptures. The museum also houses two world-famous mosaics: the Alexander Mosaic, depicting Alexander the Great, and a striking mosaic featuring a variety of marine animals.
Another unique feature is a special gallery where visitors may walk across original Roman mosaics that are nearly two thousand years old—entry is permitted only with protective white overshoes. In addition, the museum boasts a remarkable Egyptian collection, which includes both human and animal mummies, such as crocodiles."
Yiğit Selamoğlu
"One of the "must visit in Napoli", I've been here multipel times, it is like mix of museum and gallery, art collection of ancient Rome (big part from Pompei), audioguide available, informative texts in italian and english. Part of this old building kompex are small gardens where you can rest and eat some snack from caffeteria - 'couse let's face it, it's really big museum.
I believe that in the future it could be more interactive using AV media, but generaly it is great museum."
Alexandra-Valerie Patrovská
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Naples. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and the metro. The 'Museo' metro station on Line 1 is directly opposite the museum.
Yes, from Napoli Centrale (the main train station), you can take Metro Line 1 directly to the 'Museo' station, which is a very short ride.
Depending on your accommodation, it might be a pleasant walk. It's located in the historic center, making it accessible on foot from many attractions.
Parking in Naples can be challenging. While there might be some paid parking garages nearby, using public transport is generally recommended for ease of access.
The museum has made efforts to improve accessibility, but it's always best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on ramps and elevator access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly at the museum's ticket office or, for convenience and to potentially skip lines, buy them online through the official Naples National Archaeological Museum website.
Ticket prices can vary, but typically an adult ticket is around €15-€20. Check the official website for current pricing and any potential discounts for students or seniors.
While not always available as a single ticket, many visitors opt to visit Pompeii and then the museum. Some tour operators might offer combined packages.
The museum is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official website for the most accurate opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, especially during peak tourist season, buying tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Farnese Collection (including the Farnese Atlas), and the Secret Cabinet for its unique collection of erotic art. 
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum thoroughly. If you're a history enthusiast, you could easily spend half a day.
Yes, guided tours are often available, and many visitors find them very informative. Alternatively, consider using an audio guide for a self-paced experience.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage in each gallery.
The Secret Cabinet houses a collection of ancient Roman erotic art and artifacts, primarily from Pompeii, offering a more intimate and sometimes humorous look at daily life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or small refreshment area where you can grab a coffee or a light snack. For a full meal, you'll find numerous options in the surrounding streets.
The area around the museum is brimming with trattorias and pizzerias. You're in Naples, so trying authentic Neapolitan pizza is a must! +1
Generally, large meals and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. Stick to the designated cafe areas.
Absolutely! Naples is famous for its street food. Look for vendors selling pizza fritta (fried pizza) or cuoppo (fried seafood or vegetables) in the streets near the museum.
Beyond pizza, try pasta dishes like Spaghetti alle Vongole (clams) or Ragù Napoletano. Sfogliatella, a shell-shaped pastry, is a delicious dessert.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited to preserve the delicate artifacts.
The mosaics and frescoes from Pompeii offer incredibly vibrant and detailed photo opportunities. The grand halls with sculptures, like the Farnese Collection, are also very photogenic.
The 'House of the Vettii' frescoes, the 'Alexander Mosaic', and the statues from the Farnese Collection are often highlighted as visually stunning and great for photography.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside museums to avoid obstructing other visitors and potentially damaging exhibits. It's best to rely on handheld shots.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons, when crowds are thinner, can offer better opportunities for unobstructed shots. Natural light in some galleries can be quite good.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for younger visitors, consider using a child-friendly audio guide or creating a scavenger hunt for specific artifacts. Prioritize the most visually striking exhibits, such as the large sculptures and colorful frescoes, to keep their attention. Remember to pace the visit and take breaks, perhaps at the museum's cafe, to avoid overwhelming them.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the detailed descriptions and consider renting an audio guide or even booking a specialized guided tour to delve deeper into the historical and artistic significance of the artifacts. Allow ample time to explore each section thoroughly, as you'll find intricate details and lesser-known treasures that reward close examination.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for potential discounts if you are a student or senior. Bringing your own water bottle and a light snack to consume outside the museum can also help save money. Prioritize seeing the key exhibits like the Pompeii artifacts and the Farnese Collection to get the most impact from your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pompeii Connection
Visiting the museum after exploring the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum is highly recommended by many travelers. It provides crucial context, allowing you to see the original objects that once adorned the homes and public spaces you just walked through. Seeing the intricate details of a mosaic or the vivid colors of a fresco in the museum can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of what life was like in these ancient Roman cities.
Key exhibits include the House of the Vettii frescoes, the stunning Alexander Mosaic, and a vast array of sculptures, pottery, and personal items. The museum also houses a collection of medical instruments, offering a fascinating, albeit sometimes graphic, insight into ancient Roman medicine.
Exploring the Farnese Collection
Beyond Atlas, the collection features numerous other impressive sculptures, including the Farnese Hercules and the Farnese Bull. These works showcase the artistic prowess of ancient Roman sculptors and provide invaluable insights into their aesthetic ideals and mythological narratives. The sheer scale and detail of these pieces are awe-inspiring.
Located in the grand Sala Meridiana (Great Hall of the Sundial), the Farnese Collection is not only a treasure trove of ancient art but also a visually stunning space. The hall itself features a magnificent fresco by Pietro Bardellino depicting the triumph of Ferdinand IV, adding another layer of artistic richness to the experience.
The 'Secret Cabinet' and Beyond
While the Secret Cabinet is a unique draw, the museum's collections extend far beyond this. You'll find extensive galleries dedicated to prehistoric artifacts, showcasing tools and objects from early human settlements in the region. There's also a significant numismatic collection, featuring a vast array of ancient coins, providing a tangible link to the economic history of the Roman Empire.
Don't overlook the Magna Grecia section, which displays artifacts from the Greek colonies in Southern Italy, including impressive frescoes from tombs dating back to the 4th century BC, depicting scenes like the 'return of the warrior'.
The sheer breadth of the museum's collection ensures there's something to captivate every visitor, from art lovers to history buffs. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit