Civic Museum Gaetano Filangieri

The Civic Museum Gaetano Filangieri, located in Via Duomo in the historic center of Naples, is a hidden gem that houses an eclectic collection of artworks, weapons, porcelain, and rare books. Founded in 1888 by Prince Gaetano Filangieri, the museum is housed in Palazzo Como, a Renaissance building constructed between 1464 and 1490 for the merchant Angelo Como. Prince Filangieri’s passion for art and culture has transformed this palace into a museum of great relevance. The idea of creating the museum arose from Gaetano Filangieri’s desire to preserve and share his private collection with the public. His collection includes over 2,500 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, weapons, porcelain, and manuscripts. Filangieri wanted the museum to be a place of education and culture, accessible to all and capable of inspiring future generations. One of the most evocative rooms in the museum is the Carlo Filangieri Room, dedicated to the prince’s father, an important general and politician of the Kingdom of Naples. This room is characterized by large vaults decorated with golden mosaics, made by the Salviati Factory in Venice, and houses a series of weapons and armor from the 18th and 19th centuries from China, Japan, and Turkey. The bust of Carlo Filangieri, sculpted by Tito Angelini, dominates the room, celebrating the figure of the general. Going up to the first floor, you will find the Agata Moncada Room, dedicated to the mother of Prince Filangieri. This space is famous for its majolica floor, made by the Artistic Industrial Museum of Naples under the artistic direction of Filippo Palizzi. The room houses a refined collection of porcelain from Meissen and the Royal Capodimonte Factory, as well as paintings by artists such as Luca Giordano, Andrea Vaccaro, and Jusepe de Ribera. The museum’s library is another point of great interest. This space, furnished with wooden furniture and decorated with ceramics, offers a refined and contemplative environment. The library contains a vast collection of books, art magazines, and coins, including important texts by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, Claude Sauvageot, and other illustrious authors. Prince Filangieri used this library for his studies and research, making it a place of great historical and cultural importance. Over time, the museum has faced various difficulties, including periods of abandonment and closure. However, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts and institutions, the museum was reopened to the public in 2012 after a long restoration. Today, the Civic Museum Gaetano Filangieri continues to be an important reference point for Neapolitan culture, attracting visitors from around the world.