The Museum of Antiquities of Turin (Museo di Antichità) is the archaeological collection of the Musei Reali, close to Palazzo Reale and Piazza Castello. Often overshadowed by Turin’s Egyptian Museum, it offers a quieter introduction to the ancient history of Piedmont and the wider Mediterranean.
Its collections range from prehistoric finds to Roman sculpture, inscriptions, mosaics and everyday objects. Together they help bring Augusta Taurinorum, the Roman colony beneath modern Turin, into focus: parts of its ancient street grid are still visible in the city centre. Look out for the Marengo Treasure, a remarkable hoard of Roman silver, and the nearby remains of the Roman theatre.
The museum is rewarding for its regional focus and its connection to the collecting traditions of the House of Savoy. It also pairs naturally with the royal apartments and art galleries of the Musei Reali, making it easy to combine archaeology with a broader look at Turin’s history.
Visit on a weekday morning for a better chance of quiet galleries, and check current opening times and ticket arrangements before going. The museum is within walking distance of Piazza Castello; public transport is a convenient alternative to driving into the limited-traffic city centre.