The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, located in Piazza De Nava, offers a journey through the history of Magna Graecia with unique artifacts and a clear, accessible exhibition layout. The museum spans four floors designed by Marcello Piacentini, featuring climate-controlled rooms and bilingual panels.
- Riace Bronzes: two Greek bronze statues from the 5th century B.C. with realistic details such as ivory and silver eyes
- Locri Epizefiri Section: bronze tablets with sacred laws and terracotta pinakes depicting ancient myths
- Magna Graecia Journey: artifacts from colonies like Medma and Hipponion, including statuettes of deities and funerary items
- Panoramic Terrace: views of the Strait of Messina and access to the archaeological area with remains of Greek walls
The National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria houses the Riace Bronzes, Greek statues from the 5th century B.C., and a collection of Magna Graecia artifacts. A chronological journey from prehistory to the Roman era, with sections dedicated to Locri Epizefiri and a panoramic terrace overlooking the Strait of Messina.
- 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
Stepping into the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria is like taking a breathtaking journey through time. As soon as you cross the threshold, you come face to face with the Riace Bronzes, two Greek statues from the 5th century BC that seem alive, with taut muscles and intense gazes. The museum, designed by Marcello Piacentini, spans four floors and houses unique artifacts from Magna Graecia, including the Philosopher’s Head and the Kouros of Reggio. The natural light filtering through the large windows illuminates the treasures in a suggestive way, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel part of history. It’s an experience that goes beyond a mere visit: it’s an encounter with the art that shaped this land.
Historical Overview
The museum was established in 1882 to house archaeological finds from ancient Calabria, but its history is deeply intertwined with that of Magna Graecia. Reggio Calabria, founded as Rhegion by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, was a cultural crossroads, and the museum preserves its legacy: from the ceramics of Locri Epizefiri to the coins of Kaulon. In 1981, the arrival of the Riace Bronzes transformed the museum into an international destination. Today, following extensive renovations completed in 2016, the galleries are organized in a chronological journey spanning from prehistory to the Roman era, with a focus on Greek colonies such as Medma and Hipponion.
- 8th century BC: Foundation of Rhegion by the Greeks
- 1882: Museum opening
- 1972: Discovery of the Riace Bronzes
- 1981: Permanent exhibition of the Bronzes
- 2016: Reopening after restoration
The Riace Bronzes: An Up-Close Encounter
The Riace Bronzes are not just statues: they are an emotional experience. Housed in a climate-controlled room on the ground floor, the two warriors – called ‘A’ and ‘B’ – observe you with eyes of ivory and silver, and the details of their bodies, such as the veins on their arms and their curly beards, are so realistic they seem ready to move. Their placement is designed to allow you to walk around them and admire them from every angle, noticing the traces of their lost helmets and shields. Nearby, panels explain the bronze casting techniques and their journey from the sea to the museum. It’s a moment that stays with you: here you understand why these masterpieces are considered among the most important in the world.
The Magna Graecia Journey
Ascending to the upper floors, the museum guides you through daily life in Calabrian Magna Graecia. On the first floor, the artifacts from Locri Epizefiri stand out: the bronze tablets with sacred laws and the pinakes, votive terracotta tablets that narrate myths like that of Persephone. On the second floor, the section dedicated to Medma (today’s Rosarno) displays terracotta statuettes of deities, while the one on Hipponion (Vibo Valentia) exhibits funerary assemblages with gold jewelry. Don’t miss the underwater room, with amphorae and anchors recovered from the Strait of Messina, which testify to ancient trade. Every object has a story: here you learn that Calabria was a cultural hub already 2,500 years ago.
Why Visit It
Visit this museum for three concrete reasons. First: the Riace Bronzes offer a rare opportunity to see original Greek masterpieces up close, not copies. Second: the layout is well-organized with bilingual panels (Italian and English) that explain each artifact without being overwhelming, ideal for those short on time. Third: the ticket includes access to the adjacent archaeological area with the remains of the Greek walls, allowing you to combine museum and history in the open air. Plus, the gift shop sells artisanal reproductions of the Bronzes, an authentic souvenir to take home.
When to Visit
The best time for a visit is in the early afternoon, when the sunlight softens and rays filtering through the windows create shadow plays on the artifacts, highlighting the details of the Bronzes. Avoid the morning rush hours of organized groups: in late morning or towards closing time, the halls are quieter, allowing you to linger without hurry. During the summer months, take advantage of the cool interior for a refreshing break from the city heat.
In the Surroundings
After the museum, take a stroll along the Falcomatà Promenade, known as ‘the most beautiful kilometer in Italy’, to admire the views over the Strait of Messina and Mount Etna. Nearby, visit the Reggio Calabria Cathedral, rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, with its Neo-Romanesque facade and interior chapels. If you love archaeology, head to the Scilla area to explore the ruins of Ruffo Castle and the myths linked to Homer.
💡 Did You Know…?
The Riace Bronzes were accidentally discovered by a diver in 1972 off the coast of Riace Marina. Their discovery was so exceptional that it required years of restoration before exhibition. It’s said that the statues represent two warriors or deities, but their identity remains a mystery that still fascinates visitors today.