National Archeological Museum of Perugia – Opening Times & Other Info

The National Archeological Museum of Perugia (Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’Umbria) is expansive and fascinating. The museum, housed in a former Dominican monastery founded in 1223 is filled with ancient finds from the Paleolithic, Bronze and early Iron ages that were unearthed from settlements, caves and burial sites throughout central Italy including Umbrian and Etruscan cities and Roman municipalities that were situated in Umbria. It requires some time to meander through the various exhibits but it is well worth the time to witness the astonishing ingenuity of the ancient peoples that once inhabited central Italy.

One section of the museum is dedicated exclusively to the city of Perugia beginning with its founding and development from the 11th to the 8th centuries B.C. and into the Roman development of the city. Among the finds in this section is a comprehensive array of bronze artifacts including tools, pottery, glassware and even Etruscan jewelry. There are many cast objects, among them armor and sheilds in repoussé—a metalworking technique whereby the ornamentation is hammered on the reverse side to create the designs.

The walls of the former cloister at the entrance to the museum are lined with stone funerary urns from the Hellenistic Period (between 323 B.C. and 31 B.C.). This area is open to the public without the purchase of a ticket and is a great way to get a glimpse of what the museum holds if you don’t have time for a full visit.

Opening Times and Other Info

Getting There: 

Walking From Piazza Partigiani Bus Terminal:

From the front exit of the bus station turn right onto Via Fiorenzo di Lorenzo and walk towards the roundabout with the statue of Garibaldi (Largo Cacciatori delle Alpi). You will be walking under the overpass connected to the Sangallo Palace Hotel with with Banco Populare di Vicenza on your left. Keeping the Sangallo and the bank always on the left, cross the street and walk toward the smaller traffic circle and the Prenatal store, crossing the street to follow Via Guglielmo Marconi. You will be walking towards a series of 3 arches (Tre Archi). Keep walking, crossing under the arches until you reach the intersection with the traffic light at Corso Cavour. Go right on Corso Cavour for just over a block until you reach Piazza Giordano Bruno on your left. You will see the giant Cathedral of San Domenico. Facing the cathedral steps, the entrance to the museum is on your left just beyond the arch with the sign above that says MANU.

From Perugia Train Station (Fontivegge):

By Cab (Approx. €12): Taxicabs are usually waiting just outside and to the left of the train station front exit. It’s about a 10-minute ride to Piazza Italia. If no cabs are waiting call Perugia Taxi: 075 500 4888

By Minimetrò (€1.50 single trip): Adjacent to the back of the main railway station (where the tracks are located) and a 3-minute walk is Perugia’s light rail. Take this to the historic center (Pincetto Stop). Exit to your right, walking down the ramp keeping straight to Via Campo Battaglia until you reach the Scalette (stairs) di Sant’ Ercolano (the church façade will be right in view). Make a left and go down the steps. At the bottom of the steps, go left onto Corso Cavour. Continue straight on Corso Cavour to the traffic light. Cross over and continue on Corso Cavour for just over a block until you reach Piazza Giordano Bruno on your left. You will see the giant Cathedral of San Domenico. Facing the cathedral steps, the entrance to the museum is on your left just beyond the arch with the sign above that says MANU.

Note: The Minimetrò runs every 2 to 3 minutes Monday-Saturday 7am-9:20pm (Last ride at 9:05pm), Sundays and holidays 9:00am-9:00pm (Last ride at 8:45pm)

Tickets (UP Card) for both the buses and Minimetrò can be purchased at the bar/café inside the train station or at the kiosk located at the entrance to the mini metro itself.