The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (MArRC) is one of the most important Italian archaeological museums, dedicated to Magna Graecia. Here you can admire the famous Riace Bronzes, two Greek statues from the 5th century BC, and a vast collection of artifacts that tell the history of ancient Calabria. The exhibition path develops over four levels, from prehistory to the Roman age.
– Riace Bronzes and Porticello Bronzes: masterpieces of bronze statuary
– Locri Pinakes and Reggio Kouros: unique artifacts in the world
– Interactive setup and video guides: multimedia for everyone
– Panoramic terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina: an unmissable view
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria houses the famous Riace Bronzes and a rich collection of Magna Graecia. Hours: Tue-Sun 9 AM-8 PM. Tickets from €8. A must-see for archaeology enthusiasts.
- https://www.museoarcheologicoreggiocalabria.it/
- man-rc.comunicazione@cultura.gov.it
- Piazza Giuseppe de Nava 26, Reggio di Calabria (RC)
- 0965613988
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria a Reggio di Calabria
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Introduction
Entering the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is like diving into Magna Graecia. But the real spectacle comes when, after a short wait in a filter room, you find yourself in front of the Riace Bronzes: two bronze warriors nearly two meters tall, with calcite eyes and silver teeth. They stand there, motionless for 2500 years, and they look at you. The museum is all like this: an exciting journey among artifacts that speak of Greek colonies, daily life, and ancient myths. The modern layout, with bright display cases and interactive stations, makes everything accessible and engaging. Get ready to be amazed.
Introduction
Entering the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is like diving into Magna Graecia. But the real spectacle comes when, after a short wait in a filter room, you find yourself in front of the Riace Bronzes: two bronze warriors nearly two meters tall, with calcite eyes and silver teeth. They stand there, motionless for 2500 years, and they look at you. The museum is all like this: an exciting journey among artifacts that speak of Greek colonies, daily life, and ancient myths. The modern layout, with bright display cases and interactive stations, makes everything accessible and engaging. Get ready to be amazed.
Historical Background
The museum was founded in 1882 as the Civic Museum, but it was after the 1908 earthquake that archaeologist Paolo Orsi pushed for a national museum. The current building, designed by Marcello Piacentini, was built between 1932 and 1941 and inaugurated as a museum in 1959. In 1972 came the turning point: the discovery of the Riace Bronzes on the seabed of the Ionian Sea. After a long renovation, the museum reopened on April 30, 2016 with a spectacular four-level display. Today it is a landmark for the archaeology of Magna Graecia, with over 200 display cases telling millennia of history.
Historical Background
The museum was founded in 1882 as the Civic Museum, but it was after the 1908 earthquake that archaeologist Paolo Orsi pushed for a national museum. The current building, designed by Marcello Piacentini, was built between 1932 and 1941 and inaugurated as a museum in 1959. In 1972 came the turning point: the discovery of the Riace Bronzes on the seabed of the Ionian Sea. After a long renovation, the museum reopened on April 30, 2016 with a spectacular four-level display. Today it is a landmark for the archaeology of Magna Graecia, with over 200 display cases telling millennia of history.
A journey through the levels of MArRC
The route is designed to take you down through history: start at Level A (Prehistory) with the rock engravings from the Grotta del Romito, then move to Level B with Greek sanctuaries (the pinakes of Locri and the Dioscuri group are unmissable). At Level C, discover daily life: jewelry, bronze mirrors, funerary offerings. At Level D, the Riace Bronzes await, along with other masterpieces like the Kouros of Reggio and the Head of the Philosopher. Each floor features multimedia kiosks and 3D reconstructions that bring antiquity to life. Don’t miss the panoramic terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina.
A journey through the levels of MArRC
The route is designed to take you down through history: start at Level A (Prehistory) with the rock engravings from the Grotta del Romito, then move to Level B with Greek sanctuaries (the pinakes of Locri and the Dioscuri group are unmissable). At Level C, discover daily life: jewelry, bronze mirrors, funerary offerings. At Level D, the Riace Bronzes await, along with other masterpieces like the Kouros of Reggio and the Head of the Philosopher. Each floor features multimedia kiosks and 3D reconstructions that bring antiquity to life. Don’t miss the panoramic terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina.
The Riace Bronzes: Pure Emotion
They are the beating heart of the museum: two bronze statues from the 5th century BC discovered by a diver on August 16, 1972 off the coast of Riace. They depict two warriors, perhaps heroes or gods, with incredible details: eyes of calcite and glass paste, copper lips, silver teeth. Their musculature is perfectly sculpted. To preserve them, the hall is climate-controlled, and you must spend a few minutes in a decontamination room. While you wait, a video tells you their story and the restoration. Seeing them up close is an experience that stays with you.
The Riace Bronzes: Pure Emotion
They are the beating heart of the museum: two bronze statues from the 5th century BC discovered by a diver on August 16, 1972 off the coast of Riace. They depict two warriors, perhaps heroes or gods, with incredible details: eyes of calcite and glass paste, copper lips, silver teeth. Their musculature is perfectly sculpted. To preserve them, the hall is climate-controlled, and you must spend a few minutes in a decontamination room. While you wait, a video tells you their story and the restoration. Seeing them up close is an experience that stays with you.
Why Visit
First: the Riace Bronzes are absolute masterpieces of Greek art, unique in the world. Second: the museum is among the most important for Magna Graecia, with artifacts ranging from prehistory to Roman times: pinakes, jewelry, sculptures. Third: the layout is modern and interactive, with video guides for the blind and LIS for the deaf. In short, it’s a museum that speaks to everyone, enthusiasts or the simply curious. And don’t forget the view of the Strait from the terrace.
Why Visit
First: the Riace Bronzes are absolute masterpieces of Greek art, unique in the world. Second: the museum is among the most important for Magna Graecia, with artifacts ranging from prehistory to Roman times: pinakes, jewelry, sculptures. Third: the layout is modern and interactive, with video guides for the blind and LIS for the deaf. In short, it’s a museum that speaks to everyone, enthusiasts or the simply curious. And don’t forget the view of the Strait from the terrace.
When to Go
The museum is open year-round, but the best time is early morning, right when it opens at 9 AM. This way you avoid the crowds and can enjoy the Riace Bronzes at your leisure. If you happen to have a sunny day, even better: the panoramic terrace offers a spectacular view of the Strait. For those who love tranquility, the winter season is perfect, with few tourists. In summer, take advantage of the extended hours until 8 PM and combine your visit with a walk along the waterfront at sunset.
When to Go
The museum is open year-round, but the best time is early morning, right when it opens at 9 AM. This way you avoid the crowds and can enjoy the Riace Bronzes at your leisure. If you happen to have a sunny day, even better: the panoramic terrace offers a spectacular view of the Strait. For those who love tranquility, the winter season is perfect, with few tourists. In summer, take advantage of the extended hours until 8 PM and combine your visit with a walk along the waterfront at sunset.
In the Surroundings
As soon as you step out, take a stroll along the Lungomare Italo Falcomatà, one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in Italy, with views of the Strait and Sicily. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Aragonese Castle, a fortress overlooking the city. If you have time, also visit the Reggio Cathedral and Corso Garibaldi for a coffee. For museum lovers, continue to the Municipal Picture Gallery (housed on the second floor of the MArRC itself).
In the Surroundings
As soon as you step out, take a stroll along the Lungomare Italo Falcomatà, one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in Italy, with views of the Strait and Sicily. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Aragonese Castle, a fortress overlooking the city. If you have time, also visit the Reggio Cathedral and Corso Garibaldi for a coffee. For museum lovers, continue to the Municipal Picture Gallery (housed on the second floor of the MArRC itself).
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
One of the most curious stories related to the museum concerns the Kouros of Rhegion, a statue in Parian marble from the 6th century BC that was confiscated from a collector: he used it as a lampshade in his study! Today it is one of the most precious pieces displayed in the atrium. An anecdote that shows how art can hide even in the most unusual places.