National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta

Museum in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / EnriqueTabone

The National Museum of Archaeology is one of Valletta's most captivating cultural landmarks — a place where Malta's ancient past comes vividly to life. Located in the stately Auberge de Provence on Republic Street, this museum transports visitors back thousands of years, tracing the story of the first settlers who arrived on Malta's shores around 5000 BC. Its setting, a 16th-century palace built by the Knights of St. John, adds architectural splendor to the experience, combining Baroque elegance with the weight of history. This spot is one of the best places to see in Valletta for anyone eager to understand the roots of the Maltese islands.

From the moment you enter, the museum's serene atmosphere and thoughtful layout make it clear why it's considered one of the top attractions in Valletta. Each gallery reveals another chapter of Malta's story — from the Neolithic farmers who built some of the world's oldest free-standing temples to the Phoenician traders who connected Malta to the wider Mediterranean world. It's not just a museum visit but a journey through time, blending archaeology, artistry, and storytelling into an experience that feels both educational and deeply human.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is the National Museum of Archaeology Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The museum's home, the Auberge de Provence, was constructed in 1571 as the residence of the Knights of St. John from the Langue of Provence. Designed by the architect Girolamo Cassar, who also built St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master's Palace, the auberge is one of Valletta's finest examples of early Baroque architecture. Its grand façade, elegant balconies, and high vaulted halls provide a majestic backdrop for the museum's priceless exhibits. The building was officially converted into the National Museum of Archaeology in 1958, making it one of the earliest institutions in Malta dedicated to preserving its prehistoric heritage.

The museum’s collection tells the story of Malta’s human history from the Neolithic period through to the early Phoenician era. Each room presents a chronological journey through time, allowing visitors to see how the island’s early inhabitants evolved, adapted, and created. The museum not only preserves these artifacts but also explains how Malta’s geography, isolation, and rich limestone resources shaped its ancient culture.

Things to See and Do

The museum’s highlights are among the most iconic archaeological finds in Malta. The star attraction is the Sleeping Lady, a delicate terracotta figure discovered in the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. Depicting a reclining woman, this prehistoric sculpture is believed to symbolize fertility or death, embodying the spiritual and artistic depth of Malta’s ancient people. Another must-see is the Venus of Malta, an elegant figurine found at Ħaġar Qim, which showcases the refined craftsmanship of the temple builders who flourished thousands of years before the pyramids of Egypt.

Visitors can also admire stone tools, jewelry, and decorative objects that reveal the everyday lives of these prehistoric communities. The Bronze Age section introduces more advanced technologies, with metal artifacts and pottery marking a shift toward trade and cultural exchange. Later galleries explore the Phoenician period, when Malta became an important maritime hub, linking Europe, Africa, and the Near East. The museum’s interpretive panels and 3D reconstructions help visitors imagine what Malta’s ancient temples looked like in their prime — monumental, sacred, and awe-inspiring.

The building itself is worth exploring for its architectural beauty. The lofty Great Hall, once used for the Knights' feasts, now hosts temporary exhibitions and special events. Every corner, from its cool limestone walls to its grand staircases, tells part of Valletta's own story, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Valletta.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon to enjoy quieter galleries
Entrance fee in Euros: €5 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and children
Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.)
Official website: heritage.maltadi
How long to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps
Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, and air-conditioned galleries
Photography tip: The Auberge’s arched façade is especially photogenic in the late afternoon light
Guided tours: Offered by Heritage Malta and included in select cultural passes
Nearby food options: Café Cordina and MUŻA Café are within a few minutes' walk

How to Get There

The National Museum of Archaeology is located at Auberge de Provence, 220 Republic Street, right in the heart of Valletta. From the City Gate or main bus terminal, it's just a 5-minute walk along Republic Street, past boutique shops and cafés. Visitors arriving by ferry from Sliema or the Three Cities can reach the museum in about 15 minutes on foot.

Is the National Museum of Archaeology Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The National Museum of Archaeology is one of the must-see places in Valletta for anyone interested in history or culture. It offers a rare and beautifully curated window into a civilization that thrived long before written history. Whether you're a scholar, a traveler with a love of ancient mysteries, or simply someone who appreciates art and craftsmanship, this museum will leave you inspired by the depth and resilience of Malta's early people.

Nearby Attractions

St. John's Co-Cathedral – A Baroque masterpiece featuring Caravaggio's famous paintings.
Great Siege Square – A historic plaza celebrating Malta's victory of 1565.
Republic Square – Lively open-air cafés set against elegant neoclassical architecture.
MUŻA – Malta's National Community Art Museum, housed in the Auberge D'Italie.
Upper Barrakka Gardens – Scenic gardens offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

The National Museum of Archaeology appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!