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Museums & galleries

National Museum of Archaeology

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National Museum of Archaeology

National Museum of Archaeology

Located in Valletta, this museum houses a collection of artifacts spanning Malta's prehistoric and Phoenician eras. Visitors go here to see archaeological finds from the island's early temple periods and a specialized collection of ancient coins that document the region's historical transitions.

Getting There

The museum is situated within the city center of Valletta. Since the city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, it is accessible on foot from most central points. Depending on your starting location within the city walls, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the galleries and examine the prehistoric exhibits and coin collections at a steady pace.

When to Visit

To avoid the largest crowds, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon. The museum can get crowded during the peak summer tourist season. Visiting during the shoulder seasons provides a quieter environment for viewing the artifacts.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the museum can be combined with several other sites within a 0.1km radius:

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

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

Good to visit alongside

Auberge d'Italie

Museums & galleries

Auberge d'Italie

An auberge in Valletta, built in the late 16th century for the Italian knights of the Order of St John. It was remodeled several times throughout the 17th century, gaining its Baroque architectural character.

0.1 km away

MUŻA

Museums & galleries

MUŻA

MUŻA is an art museum housed in the historic Auberge d'Italie in Valletta. It previously operated from the Admiralty House under the name "National Museum of Fine Arts."

0.1 km away

Palazzo Ferreria

Castles & palaces

Palazzo Ferreria

Palazzo Ferreria is a late-19th-century mansion near the entrance to Valletta, notable for its Italianate architecture paired with traditional Maltese wooden balconies. Protected as a national monument, it's a worthwhile stop on a walk through the city center.

0.1 km away

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St. John's Co-Cathedral

A Catholic co-cathedral in Valletta, Malta, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It was built by the Knights of St. John between 1573 and 1578, making it a venerable historic church.

0.1 km away

Royal Opera House

Culture & venues

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House once stood in central Valletta, designed by British architect Edward Middleton Barry and completed in 1866. Until it was badly damaged by a fire in 1873 and bombing in 1942, it was regarded as one of Valletta's most beautiful landmarks.

0.1 km away

Church of St Catherine of Italy, Valletta

Temples & religious sites

Church of St Catherine of Italy, Valletta

A Catholic church in Valletta, Malta, built by the Italian langue of the Knights and long serving as the parish church of Malta's Italian community. It's a place where you can still feel traces of the Knights' era.

0.1 km away