The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Orvieto is an archaeological museum on Piazza del Duomo, in the papal palace behind Orvieto Cathedral. Its collection traces the area’s ancient past through Etruscan finds, including tomb paintings and objects from local sites.
- Location: Ground floor of Palazzo Martino IV, behind the cathedral.
- Focus: Archaeological finds from Orvieto and its surrounding territory.
- From Hotel Kristall: About 12 minutes by car.
- Admission: €4 full price, €2 reduced; free for eligible EU citizens under 18.
What does the Orvieto archaeological museum focus on?
The museum presents archaeological finds from Orvieto and the surrounding territory, with its collection rooted in the region’s Etruscan sites. It opened in 1982 and occupies the ground floor of Palazzo Martino IV, one of the papal palaces behind the cathedral.
For a broader account of the city’s past, the history of Orvieto from its Etruscan roots to the medieval city gives useful context for the museum’s local setting.
Which Etruscan objects and paintings should you look for?
The collection includes finds from the Etruscan necropolises of Crocifisso del Tufo and Cannicella, as well as objects from other sites around Orvieto. Among the highlighted pieces are silvered pottery from Pietra Campana, bucchero from Poggio Ginestra at Bardano, wine jugs from Parrano and a bronze mirror engraved with figures of deities from Castel Viscardo.
Look, too, for bronze strigils and Etruscan wine cups from Monte Cavallo, and “eye-cups” from necropolises at Baschi and near Montecchio. The museum also displays wall paintings from the Golini tombs, moved from the Settecamini necropolis for conservation.
In the Golini I paintings, preparations for a funeral banquet lead into the banquet itself; the deceased Larth Leinies is welcomed in the afterlife by relatives and the deities Hades and Persephone.
The final room is devoted to the sanctuary of Campo della Fiera, identified by the museum with the Fanum Voltumnae. The site includes a sanctuary road and temples.
Where is the museum in Orvieto?
The museum is at Piazza del Duomo, 05018 Orvieto (TR), on the ground floor of Palazzo Martino IV, behind Orvieto Cathedral. Its location makes it easy to combine the collection with a walk around the cathedral square.
The regional tourism board describes Piazza del Duomo as reachable by urban minibus from Piazza Cahen. Piazza Cahen is near the Via Roma car park and can be reached from the railway station by bus or funicular.
What are the admission and access details?
Admission costs €4 at full price and €2 at the reduced rate. EU citizens under 18 enter free, subject to national museum admission rules. Tickets are payable only by electronic payment.
Temporarily closed
This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.
Last checked November 2026.
Opening information and admission arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go. For questions, contact the museum at +39 0763 341039 or drm-umb.muorvieto@cultura.gov.it. The regional tourism board describes the museum as accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties, including people using wheelchairs.
Which other museums can you pair with your visit?
The Museo Claudio Faina stands across Piazza del Duomo from the National Archaeological Museum, making the two collections easy to group in one visit. For another museum focused on a different collection, the guide to Museo Emilio Greco in Orvieto covers its distinct subject.
If you’re planning a day around the historic centre, an Orvieto day itinerary can help you organize a walk between city sights.
FAQs
Where is Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Orvieto?
It is on the ground floor of Palazzo Martino IV at Piazza del Duomo, behind Orvieto Cathedral.
What is the museum known for?
Its collection includes Etruscan objects from Orvieto and nearby sites, as well as the wall paintings from the Golini tombs.
Can you pay for admission by card?
Payment for tickets is by electronic means only.