National Archaeological Museum of Naples

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples, known as MANN, is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing a vast collection of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian works. Founded in the 18th century, the museum is located in the Palazzo degli Studi, a seventeenth-century building originally intended as a riding school and later as the seat of the University of Naples. The museum houses some of the most important archaeological collections, including the Farnese Collection, acquired by Carlo di Borbone in the 18th century. This collection includes extraordinary marbles such as the Farnese Hercules and the Farnese Bull, as well as a vast collection of engraved gems. The sculptures of the Farnese Collection are particularly notable for their artistic quality and historical importance, representing Roman copies of lost Greek originals. Another treasure of the museum is the collection of bronzes from the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, including the famous Hermes at Rest. These bronzes, discovered in the 18th century, are among the few surviving examples of large bronze sculptures from antiquity. The MANN is also famous for its collection of mosaics, many of which come from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The most famous is the Alexander Mosaic, depicting the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. This mosaic, originally located in the House of the Faun in Pompeii, is one of the finest examples of ancient mosaic art. The Egyptian section of the museum, one of the most important in Italy, includes over 2,500 artifacts covering a time span from the Old Kingdom to the Roman era. This collection has been enriched by numerous donations and acquisitions over the centuries, offering a comprehensive overview of Egyptian civilization. Another fascinating section of the MANN is the Secret Cabinet, which collects a series of erotic and obscene objects mainly found in the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These objects, ranging from frescoes to small artifacts, offer a glimpse into the private life and religious practices of the ancient Romans. For a long time, this collection was only accessible to visitors “of good morals” and with special permits, but today it is open to the public, although with regulated access for minors under 14 years old. The collection of Egyptian art, one of the largest in Italy, includes artifacts ranging from the Old Kingdom to the Roman era, offering a comprehensive overview of Egyptian civilization. Among the most significant pieces are mummies, sarcophagi, statues, and papyri.