National Museum of ArchaeologyAbout National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta is Malta’s principal museum for prehistoric and ancient archaeology, housed in the historic Auberge de Provence in the city centre.
Its displays concentrate on Malta’s long Neolithic temple tradition and later Phoenician, Punic and Roman periods, featuring carved stone statuettes, temple stonework and pottery from major island sites. Several well-known prehistoric figurines and ritual objects are part of the permanent presentation.
The museum was established to gather and interpret Malta’s archaeological record from the earliest settlements through classical antiquity, and its holdings have been assembled from excavations and antiquities collections across the islands.
It is located in central Valletta, close to the Grand Harbour and other major Maltese heritage attractions, and is accessible by foot from central city points.
- Prehistoric collections: Holds major finds from Malta’s prehistoric temple period and related sites, useful for understanding the islands’ Neolithic culture.
- Central location: Located in central Valletta, the museum is within walking distance of other heritage sites and the Grand Harbour, making combined visits convenient.
What to See#
- Prehistory Gallery: Prehistory Gallery housing artifacts from Malta’s Neolithic temple period, including figurines and stone statuary from Tarxien and other temple sites.
- Phoenician-Punic and Roman galleries: Phoenician-Punic and Roman galleries showing imported goods, pottery and funerary material from Malta’s later ancient periods.
- Auberge de Provence (building): The museum building itself, an historic auberge in central Valletta, repurposed to display archaeological collections.
Nearby Attractions to National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Best Time to Visit National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Valletta sees peaks in summer due to cruise ships; aim for spring or autumn for milder weather and lighter crowds.
Weather & Climate near National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (520 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 4.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Very Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 21 mm | some cloud | 83% | 4.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 4.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.9h |
| June | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 24° | 2 mm | clear | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.4h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 27° | 5 mm | clear | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 25° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.4 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 21° | 76 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 4.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
The museum is on Republic Street in Valletta, a short walk from the City Gate and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Valletta is served by regular bus routes from across Malta and short ferry services from Sliema; the city itself is compact and most visitors arrive on foot from the ferry terminal or bus hub.
Tips for Visiting National Museum of Archaeology, Malta
- The museum is compact but dense-spend time with the prehistoric exhibit on the top floors where the Ħal Saflieni and other Maltese prehistoric finds are displayed.
- Photography policies can vary by gallery; ask staff about flash and tripod use.
- Combine the visit with a walk around Valletta's Bastions for contrasting eras of Maltese history.