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.

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!

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.

Really interesting. Only €6 and in the middle of Valletta. Make sure that you go upstairs as there are interesting exhibits up there! Didn't realise that the sculpture of the sleeping goddess of Malta was so teeny!

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

The Archaeological Museum offers information and exhibits for anyone interested in the island's history. The museum is housed in an impressive building in the center of the city of Volta that once housed the Knights of the Order of St. John. At the entrance to the museum, there is a beautiful view of the underground part of the city.

I really enjoyed my visit to this simple little museum, particularly if, like me, you visit Malta for 4 days and you don’t want to rent a car, moving instead using public transport. We heard we should visit Hal Salflieni but couldn’t find the time, so it was lovely to get to see the Sleeping Lady.