15 works from Naples' MANN fly to Saudi Arabia, following agreement

Fifteen works from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) have flown to Saudi Arabia, where from Nov. 7 to Dec. 14 they will appear in an exhibition organized inside the Maraya, a sort of great pyramid of mirrors in the desert, just outside Al-Ula, a Saudi city that wants to position itself as a major international cultural destination. The exhibition is the result of an agreement, disclosed only today (although some anticipation about the exhibition had been given in some international newspapers), between the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The exhibition, titled Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, showcases 15 exceptional artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Rome, including fine marbles and the famous terracotta elephant, on display for the first time outside Italy. It will also be possible to admire the Nilotic Mosaic, which is coming abroad for the second time after MANN’s exhibition of artifacts in Japan. MANN has not made it known whether and if so what it got in return from Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition is organized as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, an annual event celebrating the history of AlUla. The partnership between RCU and MANN, on the other hand, is the result of a cultural agreement between Italy and Saudi Arabia signed in May 2023. This agreement aims to promote intercultural dialogue and support the study, preservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage of both nations. The Al-Ula exhibition, the museum points out, is only the first phase of a cooperation program that includes joint technical projects, research activities and staff training initiatives.

According to Silvia Barbone, vice president of strategic partnerships at the Royal Commission for AlUla, “This partnership is an integral part of our efforts to open new global markets for AlUla and engage with leading cultural institutions around the world. Not only do we improve preservation and cultural cooperation, but we also create opportunities for knowledge exchange, skills transfer and innovation. The MANN was chosen not only because it houses one of the world’s best collections of Greek and Roman antiquities and creates a direct link between Hegra and Pompeii, but also because of its management model, which brings the community to the center.”

Massimo Osanna, director general museums of the Ministry of Culture and acting director of MANN, said, “We are honored to partner with the Royal Commission for AlUla in this extraordinary initiative. The new partnership not only strengthens cultural ties between Italy and Saudi Arabia, but also represents a unique opportunity to share experiences and expertise in the field of cultural heritage. Together, we are committed to protecting and enhancing our cultural riches, promoting an intercultural dialogue that will enrich both nations.”

In the images below, three of the works on display.

15 works from Naples' MANN fly to Saudi Arabia, following agreement

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.