This exhibition looks at the groundbreaking archaeological excavations sponsored by the Bourbon King Charles VII of Naples (r. 1734–1759)—the future king of Spain. Comprised of nearly 50 objects, the exhibition’s unique combination of Roman archaeological material from the excavations at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites, mingled with 18th-century paintings, porcelain, and prints—including major loans from Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Wellcome Collection—will provide an exciting introduction to the archaeological treasures of this period and their formative influence on contemporary artistic production.

Tuesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 1–5 p.m.

Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

$12 adults; $10 seniors 65+; $4 non-SMU students; free for Meadows Museum members, SMU faculty/staff/students, and youth 18 and under.* Free admission Thursdays 5–9 p.m.

*Free admission is offered to all youth 18 and under through August 31, 2025, thanks to a grant from Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee.

The Meadows Museum will admit active military and their families for free at all times as a participant in the Blue Star Museum program.