National Museum of Archaeology

Some museums win you over with their collections, others with their architecture. This one does both, which frankly feels a bit greedy. Housed in a building so beautiful you could happily wander it empty, the museum is a reminder that the Maltese don’t do “ordinary” when it comes to stonework. The exhibitions are superbly curated — thoughtful, detailed, and arranged with a clear sense of storytelling. You move from prehistoric figurines to intricate artifacts with the feeling that someone has actually thought about the journey you’re on, rather than just shoving things in glass cases and hoping for the best. And yet, in the middle of all this, there’s the numismatic collection. Perfectly fine if you’re a coin enthusiast, but otherwise it’s a bit like finding a box of receipts in the middle of a grand opera. Interesting in its way, but it does feel like it wandered in from another museum and decided to stay. Still, that’s a minor quibble. Between the building itself, the sheer depth of the collection, and the skill with which it’s presented, this is one of those rare museums where you leave feeling smarter — and only partly because you spent two hours reading captions in your “educational” voice. Five stars, and I’d come back just to walk through that building again, coins and all.

Next to the excavation site. Staffs are very helpful. Must see the faded painting of boat on the rock, well preserved at the museum. With some effort, you will be able to witness 4500 years old rock painting. unbelievable experience. Must go with family, kids would love this.

Bottom section currently closed not sure for how long but upper level was open. There was still a lot of cool and interesting stuff to check out from various periods. The history is incredible. I would say a must see.

I was sad the Neolithic section was closed for construction, (I wanted to see the Venus!) but the areas available were well presented and interesting. The displays of coinage and medals throughout the centuries was very interesting to this numismatist! And I'm pretty sure that's an alien's skull in the display... you'll have to see for yourself!

This was a really lovely edition to the temples tour and the hypogium. You can see the old large skulls and all sorts of other very well preserved artefacts from the Neolithic period. There’s 3 floors to enjoy and it’s only 5EUR entry. Great way to kill an hour or two and lots to learn / see. There’s some other periods but I personally recommend the Neolithic one. It really fits well with the ancient history of the country. There’s toilets on site

I'd been to see Ghar Dalam and the Hagar Qim temple so felt that a visit to the museum to see some of the artifacts from both would be good. I wasn't disappointed! It was only €5 entry and there was a free audio guide via a QR code that you can use with your phone. This guided me around very well and explained each display. It was divided into three time periods. All very interesting, especially the Temple period as this related to the visits I'd done earlier in the week. Really pleased that I went. Staff were also really nice and helpful. Would go again if I was ever in Valletta.

I love this museum, the staff is very well informed, exhibitions are interesting and everything is explained very clearly! Kudos for funny comics strops and the newly renovated grand room.

Awesome place. I was here on October's Sunday and it was calm, few people inside. English audio guide is British as hell (there're other options like Polish). Ask for it at the reception, there's an QR code for you to open on your phone's browser. Museum also has its own public wifi so don't worry about roaming data. Definitely take your own earphones/headphones for that. If you're curious about this island, then you must visit.