Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important art museums in Italy. It houses a rich collection of artifacts from the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, as well as works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The museum is located in the city of Naples, in the region of Campania.
History of the Museum
The museum was founded in 1738, when the Kingdom of Naples was part of the Spanish Empire. It was the first public museum in Europe and the first national museum in Italy. The museum was originally housed in the Palazzo degli Studi, but was moved to the larger Palazzo Reale in 1816.
Collections
The museum’s collection consists of more than 6,000 works of art and artifacts from the ancient world. The main focus of the collection is on works from the Greek and Roman civilizations. It includes sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, pottery, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts. The museum also houses a large collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by artists such as Titian, Caravaggio, and Bernini.
Highlights of the Collection
The Farnese Collection
The Farnese Collection is one of the most important collections in the museum. It includes a series of sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics from the ancient world, as well as works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The collection was originally assembled by the Farnese family, one of the most powerful families in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Secret Cabinet
The Secret Cabinet is a collection of artifacts and works of art that were deemed too obscene to be displayed publicly. It includes erotic art and artifacts from the ancient world, as well as Renaissance and Baroque works. The Secret Cabinet was opened to the public in 2000, after a long period of being closed off to the public.
Other Features of the Museum
- Museo Virtuale: The museum has a virtual museum, where visitors can explore the collections and learn about the history of the museum and its artifacts.
- Exhibitions: The museum regularly hosts exhibitions of works from its collections, as well as from other museums around the world.
- Tours: The museum offers guided tours of its collections, as well as educational programs for children.
The Naples National Archaeological Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of Naples. It is one of the most important art museums in Italy, and houses a rich collection of artifacts and works of art from the ancient world, as well as the Renaissance and Baroque periods.