Museum Night 2026: Pompeii and surrounding Vesuvian sites open in the evening

On Saturday 23 May 2026, for Museum Night, the main sites of the Grande Pompeii will be open for evening visits at a symbolic cost of 1 euro (with reductions and free admissions according to current rules).

Sites open

• Pompeii archaeological area (evening routes)
• Villa dei Misteri (Pompeii)
• Villa of Poppaea - Oplontis
• Villa Regina and Antiquarium - Boscoreale
• Villa San Marco, Villa Arianna and the "Libero D'Orsi" Archaeological Museum - Stabiae

Opening hours and practical information

Sites will be accessible from 19:30 to 23:30, with the last admission at 22:30. Evening entry costs 1 euro per route (subject to applicable reductions).

Pompeii itineraries

• First route: entrance from Piazza Anfiteatro, visit to the Palestra Grande with the new eruption-related display, organic finds and casts of victims, plus the theatrical performance "Persone di gesso" in the garden; continues through three refined urban houses (Praedia of Giulia Felice, House of Venus in a Shell, House of Loreius Tiburtinus). Duration ~1 hour.
• Second route: visit to the Villa dei Misteri and shuttle transfer to Boscoreale to see Villa Regina and the Antiquarium. The route includes the Pompeii Artebus shuttle. Duration approx. 40 minutes in Pompeii plus about 60 minutes in Boscoreale.

Tickets for both routes cost 1 euro; online booking via Vivaticket is recommended. Tickets can also be purchased at the Villa dei Misteri gate or at the Boscoreale ticket office.

Related activities and guided visits

• At Oplontis (Villa of Poppaea) the local Archaeoclub offers free guided itineraries from 19:30, with the last guided tour at 22:00. Last entry to the Villa of Poppaea is at 22:30 and no reservation is required.
• In Boscoreale there is a workshop called "Sounds of Prehistory and Antiquity" at the Antiquarium Auditorium, open from 19:30 to 23:30 (last admission 22:30). Open to all, no reservation needed.
• At the "Libero D'Orsi" Archaeological Museum of Stabiae free guided tours are offered by the Antica Necropoli di Stabiae association at 20:00 and 21:00. For information: [email protected].

Visitor tips

• Arrive early to avoid queues and to secure a spot on routes with limited capacity and performances.
• Book online via Vivaticket for the main Pompeii routes when possible.
• Check eligibility for reduced or free admission according to current rules.

Museum Night is a great opportunity to experience the Vesuvian archaeological sites in the evening: check times and book to secure access to your preferred route.