Naples National Archaeological Museum

Overview

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (MANN) houses the world's finest collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, including the Farnese collection, Pompeian mosaics, and the Secret Cabinet of Roman erotic art.

Highlights

• Farnese Hercules: The colossal 3rd-century marble statue is the collection's icon.
• Alexander Mosaic: The monumental mosaic from Pompeii depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus.
• Secret Cabinet: Roman erotic art from Pompeii—frank depictions that shocked Victorian excavators.

History

Founded in 1777 by Charles III of Bourbon, the museum consolidated the Farnese family collection with finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Visitor Tips

• Priority rooms: Farnese collection and Pompeii mosaics are essential; budget 2+ hours.
• First Sunday: Free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.