We will be visiting the Museo Cappella Sansevero to see the veiled Christ on our trip to Naples later this month. Can anyone please tell me if shoulders and knees must be covered for this visit? I have looked at the museum website, but I can't find anything there. From what I understand, this sculpture is in chapel in the museum, which is why I am wondering about knees and shoulders. I know I can email the museum directly, but I thought I'd start here and see if anyone who has visited recently would share their experience. Thanks!
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1385 posts
Yes --- it is a chapel. You probably wouldn't be refused entry, but it's just good manners, and why risk it.
Posted by
Western Canada
3099 posts
I was there in 2013, and don't remember anyone saying you had to cover up.
If I remember rightly, I was wearing a sleeveless top as it was so hot that day.
The day we were there, they had an "art" (very loose term) installation going on right beside the Veiled Christ.
It consisted of a TV with a continuous loop of a sobbing bride .
I think it was called Bride in a Box.
It was just the most awful thing to see put right next to this glorious work of art.
I tried to surreptitiously kick the tv plug out of the wall, but the guard shook his head at me.
He then came over and whispered that he really wanted to kick it out himself.
I sure hope they got a lot of money for the chapel, for allowing that terrible exhibit.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
It's called Museo Cappella di San Severo because it's a deconsecrated church turned into a museum, hence dress as you like.
I found that installation quite moving and clever, to each his own.
Posted by
USA
3 posts
I went last night and some guests did have shorts on. However, it is not very common to see Italians wearing shorts around town, so if you are wearing them, you'll likely stick out as a tourist, just an fyi.
Also, I went at 1830 on a Saturday and there was a queue to get in - it is a small space - but it moved pretty quickly. No photos allowed.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
some guests did have shorts on
Do you know what a deconsecrated church is? You can wear what you want in deconsecrated churches, God packed up moved somewhere else.
On the other hand, in consecrated churches she/he/it is still living behind the altar, cramped in that little box: their faith may seem ridiculous to many, but one must be really ill-mannered to enter in shorts.
Posted by
OP
WestCentral MN
281 posts
Thank you to those who have shared their personal experiences. Here is the reply I received directly from the muesum:
Sansevero Chapel is not a consacrated church: it is a votive mausoleum that houses the tombs of the di Sangro family members and is nowadays a Museum: therefore, it is not necessary to cover your shoulders and your knees if you don't want to.