[Photo from visitmalta.com]

The National Museum of Archaeology displays a significant array of artefacts from the Islands' unique prehistoric periods, starting with the first arrival of man in 5200 BC, running up to 2500 BC.

The first rooms trace man's early settlement on the Islands up to the temple-building periods using a reconstruction of a rock-cut tomb. The collection includes obsidian cores and the Red Skorba figurines, which are predecessors of the temple period objects and statuary.

The main hall is devoted to temple carvings and the collection continues with representations of animals, temple models, and the remarkable human figures. Of particular note are the exquisite figures of the ‘Sleeping Lady' from the Hypogeum, and the ‘Venus' of Hagar Qim.

The last room exhibits some pottery from the temple period, together with tools, beads and other ornaments.

Hours: Monday to Sunday,08.00-19.00

Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January, Good Friday

Contacts: 356 21222163