The National Museum of Capodimonte is located in a magnificent Bourbon palace on the outskirts of Naples. The impressive Royal Palace of Capodimonte is a spectacle to behold, set in the picturesque Royal Park of Capodimonte, a lush green expanse set on a hill overlooking the Bay of Naples. The museum is home to an incredible 47,000 works of art that cover all three levels of the palace, with an extensive collection of art from the Middle Ages onwards, including Roman sculptures and modern and contemporary art. Join us as we discover the best that Capodimonte museum has to offer, for a perfect day out for the whole family.

A visit to the National Museum of Capodimonte

Once a royal residence, now a world-renowned art museum, Capodimonte is home to one of the most important collections of Neapolitan art, decorative art, and prominent Roman sculptures, all set in a fascinating historical context. Among the collections are works of art by some of the most influential artists in the world including Raphael, Carracci, Caravaggio, Ribera and many more. Not only this but the museum also has a large area dedicated to modern and contemporary art, including pieces by Warhol, Paolini and Kiefer. A visit is incomplete without perusing the opulent royal apartments that allow visitors to step back in time as they explore the king’s lavish throne room, beautiful frescoed ceilings, and opulent chandeliers.

A brief history of Capodimonte

The story of the Royal Palace of Capodimonte started in 1738 when King Charles II of Naples built a hunting lodge on top of Capodimonte hill. He also built it to house the impressive Farnese art collection he had inherited from  his mother. Through the generations the collections grew into what is now one of the most important museums in the world, home to works of art that span centuries of artistic traditions.

Capodimonte: collections and masterpieces

 We can thank four important European dynasties for the great collection at Capodimonte: the Bourbon kings of Spain and Naples; the Farnese family; Napoleon Bonaparte’s family and the Italian Savoy monarchy.

The Farnese collection

The Farnese collection is the real heart of the museum as it takes up the entire eastern wing of the palace, with thousands of paintings and sculptures of immeasurable beauty that are considered quite rare and unique. Noteworthy pieces are Caravaggio’s ‘The Flagellation of Christ’ which is considered one of the most stunning pieces in the whole museum; Raphael’s ‘Portrait of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese,’ as well as other works by Titian, El Greco and Michelangelo.

The Neapolitan collection

This collection highlights the best local artists with works by Luca Giordano, Jusepe de Ribera, and Francesco Solimena.

The decorative arts and Capodimonte porcelain collection

The palace is also home to a sumptuous collection of Neapolitan porcelain made in the Capodimonte Porcelain Factory, which became so popular it is now a symbol of Italian artisanry all over the world.

Modern and contemporary collection

The museum houses a fascinating collection of modern and contemporary artworks including Andy Warhol’s ‘Vesuvius’ and a silkscreen print called ‘Museo di Capodimonte’ by Alberto Burri.

How to visit Capodimonte Museum

The Capodimonte Museum is open every day apart from Wednesdays. Due to the expanse of both the museum and the gardens, visitors are advised to plan their trip accordingly to get the most out of the day. 4-5 hours are recommended to enjoy all that the palace has to offer and visitors can also enjoy a modern bookstore within the palace as well as a gift shop.

Personal Shopper service at Fiumicino airport

During your journey to the National Museum of Capodimonte your departure from area E of Rome Fiumicino airport can turn into a moment of pleasure: the Personal Shopper service offers you a personalised shopping experience, perfect for completing your itinerary with class.

Art at Fiumicino airport

Rome airport isn’t simply a point of arrival and departure, it is a space that highlights Italian culture and art and a stage for promoting upcoming artists. Visitors can admire impressive works of art outside the departure area in Terminal 1, such as ‘Getto di Luce’ by Helidon Xhixha; ‘Master of Mistakes’ by Daniele Sigalot, as well as three prestigious stained-glass windows attributed to Giotto.

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