Museo nazionale ferroviario di Pietrarsa
Railway museum in the former Bourbon royal works on the Gulf of Naples, with steam and electric locomotives, the Royal Train and a replica of the Bayard.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies the site of the Bourbon royal works of Pietrarsa, commissioned by Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1840 as an ironworks. From 1845 steam locomotives were built there, and in 1853 about 700 workers were employed there. After Italian unification the complex went through a difficult phase, marked by the unrest of 1863 put down by the army; the State resumed management in 1877 and, with nationalisation in 1905, the plant passed to the Ferrovie dello Stato as a major repair workshop for steam locomotives.
As electric and diesel traction spread, activity declined, and in 1975 closure was decided, with the site converted into a railway museum. The museum opened on 7 October 1989, closed for a long renovation and reopened on 19 December 2007. It is now run by the Fondazione FS Italiane.
The route spans seven pavilions covering about 36,000 m², of which 14,000 m² are covered. On display are steam and electric locomotives, rolling stock and wagons in reduced scale, models, historic workshop machinery and a naval section. Among the best-known exhibits are the Bayard, a 1939 replica of the locomotive of the Naples–Portici line, the Treno Reale (Royal Train) of eleven carriages built in 1929 for the wedding of Umberto II of Savoy and Maria José of Belgium, and a presidential carriage donated in 1989 by Francesco Cossiga.
Highlights
- Replica of the Bayard locomotive of the Naples–Portici line, Italy's first railway
- Treno Reale of eleven carriages, built in 1929
- Historic steam and electric locomotives
- Seven pavilions in the former Bourbon royal works
- Virtual augmented-reality journey on the Bayard
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Fondazione FS Italiane
- Visitors per year
- approx. 220,158 (2022)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Children aged 6 to 17 and visitors over 65. |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 5 · Free admission under 6; €6 reduced rate for children aged 6 to 17. |
| Seniors | €6Reduced rate for over-65s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for visitors with disabilities and for the companion, where provided for by law. |
| Students & apprentices | –Pietrarsa Card Università for students under 26: €10. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Group booking from 15 participants. |
| Families | €20Special rate for two adults and one child (6–17 years); €25 for two adults and two children. |
| Guided tour, full price | €11Reduced €8 (under 18s and over 65s). Adding the guide to a free-admission ticket: €2, at the ticket office only. |
| Family: two adults and two children (6–17 years) | €25 |
| Thursday: promotional full-price ticket | €5Reduced €4 for children aged 6 to 17. |
| Saturday from 14:00: two adults and two children (Arlecchino promotion) | €15Total price for the group. |
| Bayard virtual journey (augmented reality) | €1Supplement on the ticket, while places last. |
| Pietrarsa Card for adults (18–64 years) | €20Valid for one year; €10 for young people, seniors and university students, €50 for the family. |
Free admission: Free admission on your birthday, when accompanied by at least one paying person.
Promotions cannot be combined with other special or discounted ticket offers.
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 museum has step-free access. Visitors with disabilities are advised to call 081 472003 (option 1 or 2) beforehand, so that staff can open the vehicle gate with a flush crossing.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €20 · Special rate for two adults and one child (6–17 years); €25 for two adults and two children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Special family rates, craft workshops and play-based visits for schools. Admission is free on your birthday.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Pietrarsa–San Giorgio a Cremano
Regional and metropolitan trains on the Napoli–Salerno line, stop Pietrarsa–San Giorgio a Cremano. The historic Pietrarsa Express train also runs from Napoli Centrale.
By car
Parking available · 30 m to the entrance
Pietrarsa Parking, a private supervised car park in Via Pietrarsa, about 30 metres from the entrance.
By car from Rome: A1 to the Napoli Centro – Via Marittima exit towards Portici, then the A3 with the San Giorgio a Cremano exit. From Salerno: A3, exit Ercolano – Bellavista or San Giorgio a Cremano, in the direction of Naples.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Paid guided tours are available. For schools a catalogue is available, from nursery to upper secondary level, with animated visits, workshops and special projects (museopietrarsa@fondazionefs.it). |
