Real Museo Mineralogico

About the museum

The Real Museo Mineralogico was wanted by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon to promote mineralogy and is housed in a 16th-century palazzo in the centre of Naples, the former Collegio Massimo dei Gesuiti (Jesuit college). It was inaugurated in April 1801, after about three years of restoration and decoration work. During the French decade the museum was further developed; in 1844 the mineralogist Arcangelo Scacchi became its director and brought it to a European level. A later period of scarce investment and natural events caused its decline, followed by a recovery over the last thirty years.

Today the museum is part of the Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali e Fisiche of the Federico II University. Over more than 800 square metres it holds over 45,000 minerals, as well as rocks, scientific and teaching instruments and books. The Grande Collezione, with specimens from all over the world, is displayed in the Sala Monumentale.

Among the best-known collections are the Collezione Vesuviana, the richest and oldest public collection of Vesuvian minerals; the Grandi Cristalli; the Minerali dei Tufi Campani; the artificial crystals started by Scacchi in the first half of the 19th century; hardstones; and a small collection of meteorites, which includes two pallasites that fell in Siberia in 1749. A curiosity is the pair of clear quartz crystals from Madagascar, weighing about 480 kg, donated to Charles of Bourbon in 1740.

Highlights

• Collezione Vesuviana, the richest and oldest public collection of Vesuvian minerals
• Grandi Cristalli, including a pair of Madagascan quartz crystals of about 480 kg
• Sala Monumentale with the Grande Collezione
• Artificial crystals by Arcangelo Scacchi
• Meteorites, including two pallasites that fell in Siberia in 1749

Founded

1801

Operated by

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II – Centro Musei delle Scienze Naturali e Fisiche

Admission & discounts

Prices for a single museum: adults €2.50, young people €1.50. Free admission also for ANMS and ICOM members. Discounts: Artecard and Selecard 20%, Extramann 25% on the ticket for 5 museums. Since 1 March 2025 cash is no longer accepted; payment is by card only (POS).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 entrances of the Mineralogy, Zoology, Anthropology and Physics museums in the Palazzo del Salvatore have architectural barriers; visitors with particular needs are invited to contact the booking service before the visit.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

For schools there are guided tours and workshops; the Centro Musei also organises birthday parties (2 hours).

Getting there & parking

From Piazza Garibaldi take bus 151, 602 or R2, or metro line 1 to the Università stop, then continue along Corso Umberto I to Via Mezzocannone 8.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit