Malta is known as an open air museu m for the sheer number of ancient temple sites, architectural and historical treasures, as well as churches and underground catacombs and tombs.

But the country also boasts significant museums which you should not miss.

The National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta.
National Museum of Archaeology
Charles Borg
Auberge de Provence, Republic Street
Valletta VLT 04
tel: 21 239545
fax: 21 243628
carmel.a.borg@gov.mt
BUSES. All.
Cost. Adults Lm1.50 Under 19 and over 65 free
Hours. 0830 to 1530.
Housed in one of the inns of residence of the Knights of St John - the Auberge de Provence - the museum contains the more important finds from the many prehistoric sites across the Islands. On chronological display are items of pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments.

Typical examples of Punic and Roman tomb furniture are on display along with the museum's most prized exhibits - the Maltese Venus and the Sleeping Lady - the latter, a prehistoric, clay figurine of exquisite workmanship, was found at the Hypogeum.

The museum has extensive interpretation of the prehistoric, megalithic and temple-building periods with models of the temples, with a reconstruction of part of the prehistoric remains found at the Hypogeum. The Auberge is worth a visit in itself for its imposing architecture and interior.

It was designed in 1574 by Maltese Architect Girolamo Cassar, the man who was responsible for most of Valletta's other main public buildings, including St John's Cathedral. Due to restoration, only the prehistory section is open to the public. The museum also acts as a small exhibition venue for contemporary artists working in Malta


The National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta and Floriana.
BUSES. All routes go to Valletta.
Cost. Adults Lm1. Children and Seniors Free.
Hours. 0830-1630 Monday to Saturday. 0830-1430 Sundays.
From June 16th to Sept 30 closed after 1400.
This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was originally erected in 1570 and restored in the 1960s.

It is well worth a visit both for the art collection it houses and to see one of Valletta's most elegant palaces. From 1821 to 1961, it was the official residence of the British Naval Commander-in-Chief and hosted famous naval men - the last being Lord Mountbatten of Burma, commander of the British fleet in the Mediterranean during World War II.

Today, it houses a valuable collection of art with works by Domenico de Michelino, Carpaccio, Perugino, Tintoretto, Guido Reni, Mathias Stromer, Mattia Preti, Ribera, Tiepolo, Antoine de Favray and Claude Vernet.

A section of the museum is devoted to works by Maltese artists and sculptors such as Antonio Sciortino, Edward Caruana Dingli, Francesco Zahra and contemporary artists. Also on show are sculpture and furniture and other works of art connected with the Order of St John, notably the `monetarium' - a collection of coins and medals that can be viewed by appointment.


The St James Centre for Creativity, Valletta.
Cost. Free.
Hours. 1000 to 2330 daily.
As a millennium project, St James Cavalier was transformed into a Centre for Creativity, adapting internal spaces to modern use. It now provides a backdrop for numerous exhibitions, recitals, concerts, festivals and cinema shows.

The Museum of Archaeology, Victoria, Gozo
Stephen Cini
Triq Bieb L-Imdina, The Citadel.
Victoria VCT 104
tel: 21 556144
fax: 21 559008
george.azzopardi@gov.mt
BUSES. All.
Cost. Adults Lm1.50 Under 19 and over 65 free
Hours. 0830 to 1530.
Housed in Palazzo Bondi', this museum showcases archaeological finds from the 11 phases of prehistoric Gozo, as well as the Classical World to the Middle Ages. Items include objects from the Ggantija temples as well as from excavations from the Cittadella itself and from other sites in Victoria or from the rural areas of Gozo. A section of the Museum includes items discovered at sea, off the Gozitan coastline.