National Museum of Archaeology — Valletta

What is the National Museum of Archaeology?

The National Museum of Archaeology is Malta's principal museum of prehistory and ancient history. It gathers the most important finds from the island's prehistoric temples and sites, allowing visitors to see in one place the artefacts that the temples themselves can only hint at.

Where is the museum?

The museum occupies the Auberge de Provence, a grand 16th-century building on Republic Street in the heart of Valletta, originally one of the inns of the Order's knights.

History and collection

The Auberge de Provence was built in 1571, attributed to Girolamo Cassar, as the residence of the knights of the Provence langue, and is a fine monument in its own right. The museum within traces Malta's story from the first settlers through the temple-building age and into the Bronze Age, Phoenician and Roman periods. Its highlights include the "Sleeping Lady" from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the so-called "Venus of Malta", and a wealth of statuary, pottery, tools and architectural fragments from temples such as Tarxien and Ħaġar Qim.

What to see at the museum

• "Sleeping Lady" — , the iconic prehistoric figurine.
• "Venus of Malta" — and other temple statuary.
• Decorated stone blocks and altars from the temples.
• The richly decorated rooms of the Auberge de Provence itself.

Significance

The museum is essential to understanding Malta's prehistoric temples, holding the original artefacts that reveal the art, religion and daily life of the temple builders. Together with the temple sites it forms the core of Malta's world-renowned prehistoric heritage.

Visiting the National Museum of Archaeology

The museum is a Heritage Malta site in central Valletta, easy to reach on foot. Check current opening hours, ticket prices and any combined-ticket options before visiting.