The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Reggio Calabria, also called MArRC, stands on the seafront just behind the beach promenade. It holds finds from the ancient Greek colonies of Magna Graecia, from Neolithic artifacts to Roman pieces. Most visitors come for the Riace Bronzes, two life-size Greek warrior statues from the 5th century BC. Leave time as well for the Treasure of Hera Lacinia and its gold diadem.
The building
The museum occupies an off-white building of four stories, set just behind the beach promenade. It is also known as Palazzo Piacentini.
The museum was partly closed for renovation from 2009. It has since fully reopened, and its displays cover several floors.
The Riace Bronzes
The two statues were found in 1972 in the sea off Calabria's Ionian coast. They show two Greek warriors and date from the 5th century BC, and each is life-size.
After a long conservation effort, the statues were placed in a temperature-controlled room with earthquake-resistant bases. Their makers are thought to be either Pheidias or Polykleitos, although this remains a matter of speculation.
The Treasure of Hera Lacinia
This group of bronze statuettes has been carefully restored. It includes a sphinx, a gorgon, a horse and a winged siren, along with a rare Nuraghic boat from Sardinia dating from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC.
The most striking piece is a gold diadem worked with garlands of leaves and sprigs of myrtle.
What else is on show
The collection covers the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hellenistic, Roman and later periods. Much of it comes from the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia on the Ionian coast.
The museum is sometimes called the Magna Grecia Museum, after the area its collection represents.
How a visit works
Labels and displays are in Italian and English, and maps show where each find came from. Film screenings about the finds and their preservation are sometimes held inside the museum.
The museum has a restaurant on site. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Parking is paid, both in the lot and on the street.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum charges admission. Current prices are on the museum's website.
Do I need to book ahead?
Advance tickets are recommended. You do not need a time slot to see the Riace Bronzes.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Is there a restaurant at the museum?
Yes, a restaurant is on site.
