Partenope and Naples: MANN presents an exhibition on the siren and the

Partenope and the city: the exhibition at MANN

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) hosts an exhibition exploring the enduring ties between the mythic figure of Partenope and the urban development and cultural life of Naples. The show connects archaeology, myth and cultural anthropology, tracing a route from the early Greek settlement on Pizzofalcone to expressions of contemporary Neapolitan street art.

Highlights

• Over 250 works spanning from the 8th century BC to the present day.
• A thematic focus on the transformation of Siren imagery: from bird-bodied figures with human heads to the medieval fish-tailed representations and modern reinterpretations.
• Significant loans from more than forty museums in Italy and abroad, offering a comparative perspective on material culture.
• An interdisciplinary approach combining archaeology, urban history and contemporary artistic practices.

Why visit

This exhibition provides a unique chance to see how a myth like Partenope has shaped Naples’ collective memory and identity. The route is designed for both scholarly audiences and visitors interested in the city's artistic and historical layers.

Practical information

• Venue: National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN).
• Displayed materials: archaeological finds, artworks, archival documents and contemporary public art interventions.
• Loans: works on loan from numerous national and international institutions, enriching the exhibition narrative.
• Planning your visit: check the museum's official channels for opening hours, ticketing and guided tour options.

Note: institutional representatives attended the inauguration, underlining the exhibition's cultural significance for the city and the museum community.