The Archaeological Museum is housed in an extraordinary architectural setting, the former convent of the Monastero Maggiore di San Maurizio. The Monastero was founded in the 8th century AD in the area of the ancient Roman circus, adjacent to the imperial palace (3rd century AD) of which substantial remains are still visible.
The collections range from the Roman Milan to the Early Medieval, Barbarian, Etruscan, Greek and Gandhara (ancient region between Pakistan and Afghanistan) sections, which can be visited along a route that winds its way through splendid cloisters, passing by the polygonal tower, and exhibitions dedicated to ancient societies and their daily life. The Museum also promotes the valorisation of the Roman and medieval vestiges still visible in the centre of Milan and organises interesting workshops for children, ancient writing courses and temporary exhibitions.