National Museum of Archaeology

The National Museum of Archaeology occupies the Auberge de Provence on Republic Street in Valletta, a Baroque building dating back to 1571 that once housed the Order's knights from Provence. It covers Malta from the Neolithic (5900 to 2500 BC) to the early Phoenician period (8th to 6th centuries BC), and it is the best place to start before visiting the prehistoric sites themselves.

The ground floor is given to the Neolithic. Here are the objects found at the island's UNESCO-listed sites, including the Sleeping Lady from the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, the Venus of Malta and the colossal statue from the Tarxien Temples. Carved animals, tools and vessels show the skill of Malta's first farmers. One of the original relief carvings from Hagar Qim is also displayed here.

Upstairs

The upper floor holds skulls excavated at the Hypogeum, the Bronze Age collection, and the Phoenician section with glass, gold and a large terracotta sarcophagus. Look out for the Cippus, which played a key part in deciphering the Phoenician alphabet, shown with a copy of its twin in the Louvre. The painted Gran Salon, decorated in the early 1800s, is often used for national exhibitions.

Tickets and hours (as of November 2026)

• As of November 2026, check Heritage Malta's current timetable before visiting. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing; holiday closures also apply.
• Standard tickets are EUR 5 for adults. Heritage Malta has announced prices of EUR 8 for adults, EUR 6 for youths, seniors and students, and EUR 4 for children from 21 November 2026 to 16 May 2027.
• The children's room is closed for refurbishment until further notice.

All areas are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, and audio guides come in ten languages. The museum is a few doors from St John's Co-Cathedral; an hour here gives the context that makes the temples at Tarxien and Hagar Qim far easier to read.