The first part of this Museum originally housed the tablets of the Palazzo della Ragione, arranged by Abbot Giuseppe Furlanetto (1825), and was soon enlarged with further relics from excavations in Padua and the surrounding area. The itinerary of the museum starts from the pre-Roman period with interesting remains dating from the VIII to the IV-III centuries B.C.
Among the finest are 88 pieces from the "Studded Vases" tomb, dating back to the early VII century B.C.
Unique in importance is the series of paleo-Veneto stelae, particularly those from the Camin excavation and the Ostiala Gallenia.
The Roman section is very rich and includes many busts, statues, funeral reliefs and votive altars. Some of the finest are those of Silenus, the elegant memorial stone of the dancer Claudia Toreuma, and the impressive shrine of the Volumnie.
Many mosaics are displayed on both floor and walls.
The Egyptian Rooms contain two fine statues of the goddess Sekhmet.
Other smaller rooms contain Greek, Etruscan and Italiot remains. Of particular importance is the collection of Apulian vases bequeathed by Prof. Calogero Casuccio.
Architectural findings from Roman times are also exhibited in the cloister.