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Museums & galleries

National Museum of Archaeology

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National Museum of Archaeology

Overview

The National Museum of Archaeology is run by Heritage Malta and displays artifacts from the prehistoric and Phoenician periods of the Maltese islands, along with a notable coin collection. Travelers visit to examine original Neolithic carvings, pottery, and tools excavated from local megalithic sites.

Getting There

Located in the city centre, the museum is a 5- to 10-minute walk from the main bus terminus. From Malta International Airport (MLA), travelers can take a direct public bus or taxi to the central bus station before continuing on foot.

Suggested Duration

Allow about 1 to 2 hours to explore the galleries and read the chronological exhibition panels.

When to Go

Early morning and late afternoon are generally the quietest times. The galleries can get crowded around midday when guided groups arrive. Visiting on weekdays or during spring and autumn avoids the largest crowds and summer heat.

What to Combine It With

Its central position makes it straightforward to visit other neighboring sites on the same outing:

  • Auberge d'Italie (0.1 km)
  • MUŻA (0.1 km)
  • Palazzo Ferreria (0.1 km)
  • St. John's Co-Cathedral (0.1 km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near National Museum of Archaeology

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Itineraries including this place

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Good to visit alongside

Auberge d'Italie

Museums & galleries

Auberge d'Italie

A building constructed in the late 16th century for the Italian-speaking knights of the Order of Malta. It underwent several later renovations, gaining its present Baroque appearance.

0.1 km away
MUŻA

Museums & galleries

MUŻA

An art museum housed in the Auberge d'Italie, a former building of the Order of St John, previously operated elsewhere as the national art museum. It's a great place to view Maltese paintings and sculptures.

0.1 km away
Palazzo Ferreria

Castles & palaces

Palazzo Ferreria

A late-19th-century palace near the entrance to Valletta. Its striking facade combines an Italian-style design with traditional Maltese wooden balconies.

0.1 km away
St. John's Co-Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. John's Co-Cathedral

A co-cathedral in Valletta, Malta, built by the Knights of St. John in the late 16th century. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, it is a place where you can feel Malta's history.

0.1 km away
Royal Opera House

Culture & venues

Royal Opera House

This former opera house in Valletta, Malta, was designed by a British architect and opened in 1866. It was damaged by fire and restored, but was later destroyed in a World War II bombing, leaving only ruins today.

0.1 km away
Church of St Catherine of Italy, Valletta

Temples & religious sites

Church of St Catherine of Italy, Valletta

The Church of St Catherine of Italy is a historic Roman Catholic church in Malta, built by the Italian Langue of the Order of St. John. Once the parish church of the island's Italian community, it makes for a quiet, pleasant visit.

0.1 km away