National Archeological Museum of Perugia

Museum in Perugia

Perugia, Museo Archeologico Nazionale Dell’Umbria
CC BY-SA 3.0 / SBAUmbria

The National Archaeological Museum of Perugia (Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria) is an expansive and fascinating destination housed in a former Dominican monastery founded in 1223. The museum is filled with ancient finds from the Paleolithic, Bronze, and early Iron Ages, unearthed from settlements, caves, and burial sites throughout central Italy, including Umbrian and Etruscan cities and Roman municipalities in Umbria. It takes time to explore the various exhibits, but it is well worth the effort to witness the astonishing ingenuity of the ancient peoples that once inhabited central Italy.

Exhibits: One section of the museum is dedicated exclusively to the city of Perugia, tracing its founding and development from the 11th to the 8th centuries B.C. and into the Roman era. This section features a comprehensive array of bronze artifacts, including tools, pottery, glassware, and Etruscan jewelry. Among the many cast objects are armor and shields in repoussé—a metalworking technique where designs are hammered from the reverse side.

Highlights:

  • City of Perugia Section: Detailed artifacts from Perugia’s early history through Roman development.
  • Bronze Artifacts: Tools, pottery, glassware, and jewelry showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient civilizations.
  • Repoussé Metalwork: Intricate armor and shields demonstrating advanced metalworking techniques.

Former Cloister: The walls of the former cloister at the museum’s entrance are lined with stone funerary urns from the Hellenistic Period (323 B.C. to 31 B.C.). This area is open to the public without the need for a ticket and offers a glimpse of the museum’s treasures for those short on time.

Visiting Tips:

  • Time Required: Allocate ample time to explore the museum’s extensive exhibits.
  • Free Area: Visit the former cloister to see Hellenistic funerary urns without purchasing a ticket.
  • Historical Context: Take time to appreciate the detailed history of Perugia and its development through the ages.

The National Archaeological Museum of Perugia offers a profound insight into the ancient history and cultural heritage of central Italy. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology and the rich history of the region.

The National Archeological Museum of Perugia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Perugia!

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Visiting National Archeological Museum of Perugia

Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday 8:30am – 7:30pm, Mondays 10am-7:30pm.

Closed on January 1st and December 25th.


Price:

€5

Address: National Archaeological Museum of Umbria, Piazza Giordano Bruno, Perugia, Province of Perugia, Italy
Duration: 20 minutes

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