MuSA – Museo degli Strumenti Astronomici
Museum of the Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory with historical instruments, rare books and observation pavilions: the only public astronomy museum in Southern Italy.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The MuSA is the museum of the Capodimonte Astronomical Observatory in Naples, and describes itself as the only public astronomy museum in southern Italy. The new display was opened on 17 November 2012, to mark the bicentenary of the Observatory's founding, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic.
The route tells centuries of astronomical history, from the 16th century to the present, through scientific instruments that are also works of art: brass, wood and precision engravings that bear witness to the work of generations of astronomers. The collections are joined by rare books, immersive installations, a luminous “wormhole” that takes visitors from the past to modern research, and a holographic projection of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon. A virtual library makes it possible to browse some of the most precious ancient volumes held by the Observatory's library.
The visit also includes the historic pavilions: that of the Repsold meridian circle, the only one in Italy to retain its original structure, and that of the Bamberg transit instrument, as well as the monumental architecture of the Observatory and its panoramic park.
Highlights
- Historical astronomical instruments from the 16th century to today
- Repsold meridian circle pavilion, the only one in Italy with its original structure
- Bamberg transit instrument pavilion
- Virtual library with rare astronomy books
- Panoramic park of the Observatory
- Operated by
- INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte
- Director
- Mauro Gargano
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2students, university students and over 70s |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Children under 10: free admission. |
| Groups (16+ people) | –20% reduction on the standard price for groups of more than 15 people. |
A 20% reduction on the standard price also applies to holders of the campania>artecard. The guided tour of the collections is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The venue is listed as accessible, with architectural barriers removed.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
On-site parking.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop and auditorium; on-site parking.
Events & venue rental
The venue has an auditorium and conference rooms.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guided tour of the collections is free; educational routes for schools and outreach activities are available. The museum has a historic library and a historic archive. |
