National Museum of Archaeology
National Museum of Archaeology, Archaeological museum in Valletta, Malta.
The National Museum of Archaeology occupies a Baroque building and displays objects from the Neolithic through Phoenician periods, including tools, pottery, and human figures. The collections show how human settlement on the islands developed over thousands of years.
The museum opened in 1958 inside a 1571 Baroque residence that once housed Knights of the Order of St John. The building was repurposed to hold archaeological collections documenting Malta's prehistoric past.
The ground floor displays the famous Sleeping Lady and Venus of Malta, figures that reflect the daily life and beliefs of ancient inhabitants. These objects reveal how people lived here thousands of years ago and what mattered to them.
Admission varies by age group, with children entering free and adults paying a small fee. It helps to arrive early in the day to explore the rooms without crowds and view the displays at a relaxed pace.
The museum houses over 16,000 coins and commemorative medals that document Malta's monetary history under different rulers. This numismatic collection offers a surprising glimpse into how the island's economy and political control shifted across centuries.
Location: Valletta
Inception: 1958
Founders: Agatha Barbara
Architects: Girolamo Cassar
Official opening: 1958
Architectural style: Baroque
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112, Malta
Phone: +35625584712
Website: https://heritagemalta.org/national-museum-of-archaeology
GPS coordinates: 35.89750,14.51125
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre. The city displays baroque architecture and military installations from the Knights of Malta period. The Neolithic temple complexes rank among the world's oldest freestanding stone structures. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra near Qrendi date from around 3600 to 3200 BC, while the Ġgantija temples on Gozo are even older. The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is an underground necropolis with multiple chambers. The Tarxien temples show decorated stone blocks and reliefs. The coastline offers different formations: the Dingli Cliffs reach 830 feet (253 meters) in height, while the Blue Grotto near Qrendi features sea caves with turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon on Comino has shallow, clear water. Golden Bay near Mellieħa is a sandy beach. Fort Rinella in Kalkara preserves an 1884 Armstrong gun. The medieval town of Mdina and the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo display fortress architecture from different periods.
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