Museo nazionale archeologico ed etnografico Giovanni Antonio Sanna

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1878 as the Regio Museo Antiquario and in 1931 took the name of the senator and entrepreneur Giovanni Antonio Sanna, who donated his archaeological and historical-artistic collections. Other private collections have since been added, such as Chessa, Dessì and Clemente, as well as finds from excavations conducted by the heritage authority (Soprintendenza) in the territory.

By the size and importance of its collections, the institution is considered the main one in central-northern Sardinia. In 1973 the museum reopened with a new display; in 2000 a medieval and modern section was added, and in 2011 the ethnographic section, closed for more than twenty years because of the deterioration of its materials, reopened.

The archaeological section covers the territories of Sassari, Nuoro, Gallura and Ogliastra, from the Lower Palaeolithic to the 18th century; its main themes include the sanctuary of Monte d'Accoddi, prehistoric tombs carved into the rock and the city of Turris Libisonis. The ethnographic section holds the oldest collection of objects of Sardinian folk culture, largely from the last three centuries; at present a room devoted to traditional Sardinian costumes is on display. The museum also includes a “Biblioteca degli oggetti” (library of objects).

Highlights

• Materials from the prehistoric sanctuary of Monte d'Accoddi
• Prehistoric tombs carved into the rock (domus de janas)
• Finds from Turris Libisonis (Porto Torres)
• Medieval and modern section
• Ethnographic room on traditional Sardinian costumes

Founded

1878

Operated by

Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Sardegna (Ministero della Cultura)

Admission & discounts

The museum announces extraordinary free-admission days (for example 25 April and Easter) on its website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The website refers to a dedicated accessibility section, whose details are not given. From 1 March 2026 the visit route is limited to part of the spaces for safety reasons.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop and conference room.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit