Free museums in Naples and Campania on Sunday, June 7, 2026: the complete list

The history of Sunday at the Museum: an initiative that changed access to culture

It was July 2014 when the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities, then led by Dario Franceschini, launched the initiative that would become one of the most eagerly awaited events for art and culture lovers in Italy: the Sunday at the MuseumThe idea, simple in its formulation but revolutionary in its essence, provided free admission to all state museums, monuments, galleries, archaeological parks, and cultural sites on the first Sunday of every month. Over ten years later, the initiative has attracted millions of visitors, demonstrating that breaking down economic barriers to access to culture is not only possible, but also a powerful tool for social and civic growth.

Sunday 7 June 2026 the appointment with the Sunday at the MuseumAn unmissable opportunity to rediscover the cultural heritage of Campania, one of Italy's richest regions in archaeological, artistic, and monumental treasures. From the Bourbon splendor of the Royal Palace of Naples to the Greek temples of Paestum, from the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum to the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta, the day offers free admission to some of the world's most important sites.

Before traveling, it's always advisable to check the official websites of individual museums to verify opening hours, access methods, and any required reservations. Some particularly crowded sites, such as Pompeii and the MANN, require online reservations to manage visitor flows. Temporary exhibitions held within museums may not be included in the free admission and require a separate ticket.

Free state museums in Naples

Naples is undoubtedly the beating heart of Campania's cultural offerings. The Neapolitan capital boasts a concentration of state-owned museums and monuments that few other cities in the world can match. Here are the main sites open for free on Sunday, June 7th.

Royal Palace of Naples

Overlooking Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace is one of the symbols of Bourbon and monarchical history in Southern Italy. Its monumental halls, royal apartments, Court Theatre, and National Library tell centuries of history. It also houses the Caruso Museum, the first Italian national museum dedicated to the great tenor Enrico Caruso, with memorabilia, photographs and documents that retrace the life of the legendary singer.

Museum and Real Bosco di Capodimonte

Nestled in the city's green lung, Capodimonte is one of Italy's most important museums. The Royal Palace houses absolute masterpieces: works by Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Masaccio, and many other masters. Farnese collection This is the core of the museum, along with the rich heritage of Neapolitan art from the 13th to the 19th century. Also not to be missed is the Royal Wood, a 134-hectare park surrounding the Palace, perfect for a rejuvenating stroll. During this period, the exhibitions "Beyond Caravaggio" and the works of Nicola Samorì are also open, as well as the room dedicated to Mimmo Jodice.

National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN)

It is considered one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. The MANN houses the extraordinary Farnese collection of ancient sculptures, mosaics and finds from the excavations of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae, in addition to the Egyptian collection and the rich epigraphic section. Among the most famous pieces: the Farnese Bull, the Farnese Hercules and the mosaics from the House of the Faun and the Villa of Cicero in Pompeii. Currently, exhibitions dedicated to Ivanovič de Rumine and Bazzani are on display, as well as the exhibition “The Siren and the City”.

Castel Sant'Elmo

Perched on the Vomero hill, Castel Sant'Elmo dominates the city from above with its distinctive star shape. From its terraces you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama It extends from the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius, from Capri to the Phlegraean Fields. In addition to the breathtaking view, the castle hosts temporary exhibitions and spaces worth visiting.

Certosa di San Martino Museum

A monumental complex of rare beauty that combines art, history, and an unforgettable view of the Gulf of Naples. The Baroque church, cloister, frescoed rooms, and museum displaying Neapolitan nativity scenes, paintings, and sacred furnishings are a journey through the city's artistic history. The recently opened 12 new rooms dedicated to 19th-century Naples, which further enrich the exhibition itinerary.

Villa Floridiana and Duca di Martina Museum

Another gem on the Vomero hill. Villa Floridiana, with its panoramic terraces and English-style park, is home to the Duca di Martina Museum, which houses a valuable collection of ceramics, porcelain, and majolica from around the world.

Museo Diego Aragona Pignatelli Cortes

Overlooking the Riviera di Chiaia, this elegant 19th-century building preserves period furnishings, porcelain, and a valuable library. Its park also houses the Carriage Museum. The exhibition "Warhol vs. Banksy: Passage to Naples" is currently open.

Monumental complex and Library of the Girolamini

In the heart of Naples' historic center, on Via Duomo, the Girolamini Complex is one of the city's lesser-known treasures. Its monumental library, with over 150.000 ancient volumes, is one of the richest in Italy and is worth the visit alone.

Crypta Neapolitana

An evocative Roman-era tunnel connecting the Piedigrotta area to Fuorigrotta, over 700 meters long. This thousand-year-old passageway tells the story of Naples' underground history, through myths and legends.

Other state-owned sites that can be visited free of charge in Naples and its province include: the Park of the Tombs of Virgil and Leopardi, the Certosa di San Giacomo and the National Archaeological Museum of Capri, the Blue Grotto and Villa Damecuta in Anacapri, the Archaeological Museum of the Sorrento Peninsula "Georges Vallet" in Piano di Sorrento, the Historical Archaeological Museum of Nola, and the archaeological area of ​​San Paolo Belsito.

Pompeii: A Journey into Ancient Rome

Il Pompeii Archaeological Park It is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, and Sunday at the Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore it without admission fees (though please note that reservations are strongly recommended, if not mandatory, given the huge turnout). The ancient city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD offers an extraordinarily preserved portrait of daily life in Roman times: the patrician houses with their frescoes, temples, baths, forum, brothel, and amphitheater. The Pompeii Archaeological Park also includes the Antiquarium and Villa Regina in Boscoreale, the Oplontis excavations in Torre Annunziata, and the Villas Arianna and San Marco, the Quisisana Palace, and the "Libero D'Orsi" Archaeological Museum of Stabia in Castellammare di Stabia.

Herculaneum: the best preserved city

Il Ercolano Archaeological ParkSmaller than Pompeii but in many ways even more fascinating, Herculaneum offers a surprising level of preservation. Buried by a blanket of volcanic mud that has perfectly preserved the wooden structures, furnishings, and even the skeletons of its inhabitants, Herculaneum allows you to immerse yourself in the life of a first-century Roman town with a directness unmatched by any other archaeological site.

Caserta: the Royal Palace and the treasures of ancient Capua

La Palace of Caserta, Luigi Vanvitelli's masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for lovers of 18th-century art and architecture. With its 1.200 rooms, Italian gardens, Royal Park, and the famous English Garden, the Royal Palace is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. In the province of Caserta, admission is also free: the Campanian Amphitheater and the National Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, as well as the archaeological museums of Alife, Calatia (Maddaloni), Teano, Sessa Aurunca, and Succivo (Museum of the Agro Atellano).

Paestum and Velia: Greek Temples and Magna Graecia

In the province of Salerno, the Archaeological Park of Paestum It is one of the most evocative destinations in Campania and Italy. Its three perfectly preserved Doric temples—the Temple of Neptune, the Basilica, and the Temple of Ceres—are among the finest examples of Magna Graecia architecture. The nearby National Archaeological Museum houses precious artifacts, including the famous painted slabs from the Tomb of the Diver. Not far away is also Velia, the ancient Greek city of Elea, birthplace of the Eleatic school of philosophy (Parmenides and Zeno), with its evocative Porta Rosa and acropolis overlooking the sea. In the province of Salerno, the Certosa di Padula, the National Archaeological Museum of Pontecagnano, and the Roccadaspide Archaeological Park are also open free of charge.

Benevento and its treasures

In the province of Benevento, the free cultural offering includes the National Archaeological Museum of Sannio Caudino in Montesarchio and the Sannio Museum In Benevento. The Roman theater of Benevento, the Arch of Trajan, and the Hortus Conclusus are other unmissable stops for those who choose to visit this province, rich in Lombard and Roman history.

Non-state museums participating in the initiative

In addition to the state museums, some important non-state museums in Naples also open for free every first Sunday of the month. Galleries of Italy At Palazzo Piacentini, on Via Toledo, they offer free admission to their permanent collections and masterpieces such as the "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula," Caravaggio's last work. They are also currently hosting the exhibition "OBEY" by Shepard Fairey. Mother Museum – The Donnaregina Contemporary Art Museum in Naples, located on Via Settembrini, is another reference point for contemporary art. We recommend checking the official websites for admission details and whether admission is actually free on the first Sunday of the month.

Practical tips for your visit

To make the most of your Sunday at the Museum, here are some helpful tips: arrive early in the morning to avoid the longest lines; book online when requested, especially for Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Capodimonte; choose alternative itineraries at less crowded museums if you want a more relaxed visit; always check the official websites for updated opening times before leaving; consider visiting less touristy sites in the afternoon, when the major museums are busier. Good planning will allow you to optimize your time and, perhaps, visit multiple sites in the same day. For a complete and updated list of all participating sites, visit the official website of the Ministry of Culture at cultura.gov.it/domenicalmuseo.