On Republic Street in Valletta, the National Museum of Archaeology traces Malta’s early history through objects found across the islands. Its collection ranges from Neolithic tools and pottery to Phoenician artefacts, with the Sleeping Lady and Venus of Malta among its best-known works. The museum occupies the Auberge de Provence, a 16th-century residence of the Knights of St John, so the building adds another layer to the visit. Informative display panels help connect the objects with Malta’s prehistoric temples and other archaeological sites.
The Auberge de Provence
The museum is housed in the Auberge de Provence on Republic Street. Built in the 16th century, the building served as the residence and headquarters of the Provence group, or langue, of the Knights of St John. Its Baroque interiors and historic rooms are part of the visit, alongside the archaeological collection.
The grand salon, known as the Gran Salon, has been under restoration. The museum’s galleries use display cases and information panels to explain the objects and their archaeological settings.
From early tools to temple figures
The collection covers Malta’s prehistoric past through the early Phoenician period. It includes stone tools, pottery, jewellery, animal figures and representations of people. Objects from the islands’ temple sites help explain the communities that built and used these structures.
Among the most recognisable pieces is the Sleeping Lady, a small clay figure found at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. The Venus of Malta and other figurines from sites such as Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra offer further examples of prehistoric sculpture. The displays also include bronze-age daggers associated with the Tarxien Temples and a model of a prehistoric temple.
Phoenician finds and the Cippi
The later displays extend the story into Malta’s Phoenician period. Look for Phoenician amulets, a pendant showing Horus and Anubis, and a sarcophagus. A collection of coins adds another strand to the museum’s archaeological holdings.
The Cippi of Malta are notable for inscriptions in Phoenician and Greek. The two languages on the monuments helped scholars compare their writing systems. The museum’s explanatory displays set the objects in context, making this a useful stop for visitors interested in Malta’s connections with the wider ancient Mediterranean.
Planning a visit
The museum is compact enough to explore at your own pace, but the information panels reward a slower walk through the galleries. An audio tour can be accessed by scanning the QR code at the entrance when available. Folding chairs around the museum provide places to pause while reading.
The collection can also serve as an introduction before visiting Malta’s archaeological sites. Seeing objects from places such as Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum can help you recognise their context later. If you have already visited those sites, the museum offers a chance to look more closely at finds from them.
FAQ
Where is the National Museum of Archaeology?
It is in the Auberge de Provence on Republic Street in Valletta.
What are the museum’s main highlights?
Look for the Sleeping Lady from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the Venus of Malta, prehistoric temple finds and the bilingual Cippi of Malta.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about one to two hours, especially if you plan to read the display panels.
Does the museum have an audio guide?
A QR code at the entrance can provide access to an audio tour when available.
