The time has come to devote our attention to two museums, located not far from each other, which, together with the Reggia di Capodimonte, have expressed the most significant innovations in the Neapolitan area in recent years. . We are talking about the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) (*) and the Donnaregina Art Museum (MADRE) (*), both reachable with Line 1 of the Metro (Museum stop). The MANN is undoubtedly one of the strengths of cultural activity in Naples,
- for its historical mission to show the most significant finds from the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Herculaneum, - for the Egyptian Collection, the Farnese Collection, the section of the epigraphs, that of the Farnese Gems, - for thematic exhibitions (in this 2017 it is enough to remember the exhibition "Amori Divini", the one on pre-Columbian art and the one dedicated to Gianni Versace's clothes inspired by Magna Graecia), - for the exhibition activity of contemporary artists who interact with classical works and the structures of the museum; this latter activity has been developing more and more in recent years and constitutes a further and often surprising stimulus for the visitor to the museum. The MANN can be visited absolutely for people in chairs, as it is equipped with lifts and ramps that allow to overcome the architectural barriers of the building, as well as toilets equipped for the disabled. https://www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it/it/
The Farnese Bull:
The exhibition area is so large that you can even dedicate an entire day to the visit, perhaps making sure you are in the Sala della Meridiana at noon (at 1pm with summer time); in fact, the sunlight, penetrating from the hole of the gnomon located at the top in the South-West corner, falls on the meridian line of the floor, following it according to the seasons.
Let's move on to the second jewel, the MADRE (www.madrenapoli.it), a museum that represents the successful attempt to include Naples in the world contemporary art circuit by means of a stable museum structure, which joins the work of art galleries. The museum is housed on the three floors of the nineteenth-century Palazzo Donnaregina, and articulates its activity in permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, events and conferences. The structure is completely accessible for people in chairs, except for the terrace, and is equipped with toilets equipped for the disabled.
As a symbol of the MADRE we believe it is right to propose the fresco by Francesco Clemente astride the first and second floors and two works installed on the roof of the building: the Horse by Mimmo Paladino and The Man who measures the clouds by Jan Fabre, the latter revived in a marble version in the museum courtyard; all the rest must be discovered by going around with great curiosity, on a visit that always reserves surprises and very intense stimuli.
For those who are not satisfied with snacks and drinks for sale in museums, we recommend a restaurant in the area that meets our requirements, a place already suggested in the post of the historic center and which is considered one of the best pizzerias in Naples: Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria (*): Piazza San Domenico Maggiore 4, Naples +39 081 5524068 www.palazzopetruccipizzeria.it Otherwise, the fact that both museums are equipped with toilets for the disabled allows you to relax and indulge yourself in choosing one of the many cafes that are located near both structures and which often offer a "fanciful" and innovative cuisine. (*) symbol indicating the presence of toilets equipped for the disabled