Museum
Since its foundation the Vesuvius Observatory has been visited both by scientists and local or foreign guests. In 1970, near the historical edifice, a new modern building was constructed for the needs of modern research. From this time the historical edifice was the naturally destined place for the storage of the valuable mineralogical, histrumental and artistic collections owned by the Observatory.
Groups and schools
Groups of people and schools can book a free visit at the Vesuvius Observatory (INGV) Museum.
For information and bookings phone 081 6108483 (from Monday to Friday, 9am – 1pm)
Any booking has to be confirmed by fax (schools and groups need to use their official headed paper) on 081-6100811.
- Monday to Friday 9am – 2pm - schools and groups – advanced booking necessary
- Saturday and Sunday 10am – 2pm - open to the public
The exhibition
The exhibition takes the visitor on a fascinating tour through the world of volcanoes.
It starts off with a description of the various types of eruption and how dangerous they are, and finishes with observation, in real time, of seismic and geochemical data recorded by the Vesuvius Observatory surveillance team. And everything is brought to life with the aid of video clips, illustrations, collections of rocks and minerals, historical instruments, books and paintings.
Historic scientific instruments
The Vesuvius Observatory museum also houses historic scientific instruments used by scientists and researchers over the centuries and some of these are of exceptional historical importance, like Luigi Palmieri’s seismograph. Some of these instruments are on display in the Mercalli and Weichart rooms at the exhibition.
How to get to the Exhibition
By car: take the Torre del Greco exit off the Naples-Salerno motorway then follow the signs for Mt. Vesuvius.
By public transport: take the Circumvesuviana train (either the Naples-Sorrento or Naples-Poggiomarino line) and get off at the station called Ercolano Scavi where you can pick up a bus to Mt. Vesuvius (times: Ercolano - Vesuvius Observatory 9.30, 10.30, 11.50, 12.50, 13.50; Vesuvius Observatory - Ercolano 11.35, 13.00, 13.55, 15.00, 16.10).