Night of Museums 2026: Pompei and Vesuvian sites open for evening visits

On Saturday 23 May 2026, for the Night of Museums, the main archaeological sites of Greater Pompeii will be open in the evening with a symbolic ticket of €1 (reductions and free admissions apply according to current regulations). The event features themed routes, guided tours, workshops and performances across the Vesuvian archaeological area.

Sites open

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

Hours and tickets

The sites will be open from 19:30 to 23:30, with the last admission at 22:30. The evening ticket price is €1 per entrance. Reduced rates and free admissions follow legal provisions; bring valid ID to access concessions.

Recommended routes in Pompeii

• First route: entry from Piazza Anfiteatro, visit to the Palestra Grande with the new eruption exhibition (organic remains and victims), theatrical performance "People of Plaster" in the garden and continuation through three historic domus (Praedia di Giulia Felice, House of Venus in a Shell, House of Loreius Tiburtinus). Approximate duration: ~1 hour.
• Second route: visit to the Villa dei Misteri with shuttle transfer to Boscoreale for Villa Regina and the Antiquarium. Service includes the Pompeii Artebus. Duration: ~40 minutes in Pompeii + ~60 minutes in Boscoreale.

Related activities

• Oplontis (Villa of Poppea): free guided tours by ArcheoClub d'Italia, first sessions from 19:30, last session at 22:00. Villa of Poppea last admission at 22:30, no reservation required.
• Boscoreale: "Sounds of Prehistory and Antiquity" workshop at the Antiquarium Auditorium, active from 19:30 to 23:30 (last admission 22:30), open to all without booking.
• "Libero D'Orsi" Archaeological Museum of Stabiae: free guided tours organised by the Antica Necropoli di Stabiae association, with two sessions at 20:00 and 21:00.

Practical tips

• Arrive early to avoid queues at the entrances and secure a place on routes that include performances.
• For the two main Pompeii routes, online booking via Vivaticket is recommended; tickets are also available at the Villa dei Misteri turnstiles and Boscoreale ticket office.
• Carry valid identification for reduced fares and wear comfortable shoes: evening routes involve walking across archaeological areas.
• Check for updates and access procedures by contacting the organisers by email: [email protected].

Where

Main address: Vicolo dei Fuggiaschi, 80045 Pompei (NA), Italy.

Approximate coordinates: 40.7494108, 14.4928955.

The Night of Museums is a prime opportunity to experience Vesuvian archaeological sites under a different light, with targeted routes highlighting new displays and key monuments. Plan your evening in advance and book where recommended to make the most of the visit.