The museum is housed in the semi-underground walkways of Pirro del Balzo Castle and tells the story of Venosa and its territory from pre-Roman times to the Renaissance. The display was completely redesigned in 2021: six sections, each with a touch screen, and three video-mapping installations. The largest section is the Roman one, from the founding of the colony of Venusia in 291 BC to late antiquity.
It is named after Mario Torelli, the archaeologist who studied the Roman colony of Venusia in depth. Since 2024 it has been part of the autonomous institute «Musei e Parchi Archeologici di Melfi e Venosa».
Not to be missed
- The Tabula Bantina (early 1st century BC), with texts in Oscan and Latin, and the inscribed stones of the auguraculum of Banzi.
- The marble head of the Diadumenos (late 1st century AD).
- The Roman cisterns, which can only be reached by stairs.
Current exhibition
SALVATI. Storia di un sequestro («Saved. The story of a seizure»): about 140 archaeological finds recovered from illegal trafficking. Extended until Sunday 1 November 2026 and included in the ticket.
Visiting tips
- The €8 combined ticket (3 days) also covers the Archaeological Park; the €12 circuit ticket adds the museum and castle of Melfi. Tickets can also be bought online on Musei Italiani.
- The ground floor is accessible by ramp; a wheelchair is available on request. Only small bags and backpacks are allowed: lockers are available at the ticket office.
Contacts
Opening hours
Monday 9:00-20:00 · Tuesday 14:00-20:00 · Wednesday to Sunday 9:00-20:00. Last admission 19:15. Closed only on 25 December. €5 full, €2 reduced, free under 18 and on the first Sunday of the month. Combined ticket with the Archaeological Park €8 (3 days); circuit with the Melfi museum €12. Booking not required.