A visit to the ancient city of Pompeii, famously preserved by a volcanic eruption, offers an unparalleled glimpse into daily life in a Roman town. However, renowned travel expert Rick Steves suggests that the experience remains incomplete without a detour to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN). Here, within what is known as the “Secret Room,” visitors can encounter a collection of frescoes and artifacts that provide a surprisingly candid and often explicit view of ancient Roman culture. These artistic depictions, once deemed too scandalous for public display, are now openly accessible, enriching our understanding of the social norms and artistic tastes of a bygone era.

The so-called Secret Room at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples houses a remarkable collection of ancient Roman erotic art. For centuries after their discovery, these frescoes and various objects, unearthed from Pompeii and Herculaneum, were considered so risqué that public access was severely restricted. It wasn't until the year 2000 that the museum fully opened this controversial exhibit to the general public, aiming to comprehensively illustrate the multifaceted aspects of sexuality in the ancient world. The collection includes not only wall paintings from affluent residences but also a vast array of suggestive banquet items and phallus-shaped street decorations, continuously augmented with new discoveries.

These artifacts, initially brought to Naples at the behest of King Ferdinand IV, formed the core of what is now one of the world's premier museums of ancient art. Steves highlights that while the museum's website and guided tours acknowledge the Secret Room, its entrance is subtly guarded, serving as a gentle caution about its explicit content, especially for families with children. Nevertheless, for those intrigued, these artworks unveil the private tastes and everyday amusements of the wealthy Pompeiians, who commissioned such pieces to entertain their guests. The range of art encompasses humor, explicit themes, and sheer aesthetic beauty, inviting a personal encounter to truly appreciate their significance.

Steves argues that incorporating a visit to the Naples museum significantly broadens one's perspective on Pompeii, particularly by contrasting the preserved ancient urban landscape with the curated artistic expressions. Located just a 30-minute journey from Pompeii via various transport options, the museum provides a vital context to the archaeological site. This dual experience allows visitors to move beyond the physical ruins and delve into the rich cultural and social fabric of a civilization caught in time, offering a more complete narrative of this fascinating historical period.