MANN CONQUERS THE WORLD
The beauty preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples is one of the foremost examples of the richness and uniqueness of the Italian historical and artistic heritage. MANN is one of the oldest and most important institutions in the world for its contribution to the European cultural landscape.
The origin and formation of the collections are linked to Charles III of Bourbon, King of the kingdom Naples in 1734, and to his cultural policy: the king promoted the exploration of the Vesuvian cities buried by the eruption of 79 AD.
The collections of the Museum became a national museum in 1860, was then enriched with the acquisition of finds from Campania and other Southern Italy excavation sites and also from private collections. Mann’s role is so important in the scenario of world culture it enchanted the British designer Vivienne Westwood who in her #Mirrortheworld project (a digital campaign to discover culture involving collaborations with academics and artists from around the world to share content and support the creative community) has chosen the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to represent the Belpaese. Through the lens of Luigi Spina, who has been involved in researching the masterpieces of the MANN for years, from the atlas to the Doriforo, from the Antinoo to the Runners, from the glass findings of the collection of objects of daily use to the Vesuvian cities and the colossal Flora Farnese.
“We were happy to join the #Mirrortheworld digital project created by Vivienne Westwood - commented the director of MANN, Paolo Giulierini – She is an icon of British fashion and an extraordinary woman who, with her creativity, has fought for a long time against climate change and ethical consumption. Creating a cultural platform to connect artists and great works from all over the world in this difficult moment is a further sign of his sensibility. We know that Mrs. Westwood loves our museum and the masterpieces of classicism very much. We are waiting to welcome her to Naples.