#123🏺 Archaeology & AntiquityTunis, Tunisia

Bardo National Museum

The world's largest Roman mosaic collection

About Bardo National Museum

Set in a Hafsid palace outside Tunis, the Bardo holds the most important collection of Roman mosaics in the world, recovered from sites across Tunisia.

Founded in 1888, Bardo National Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 138 years. Today it draws approximately 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited archaeology & antiquity museums in the world. Located in Tunis, Tunisia, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 4,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Bardo National Museum ranks #123

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #123 in our composite ranking, Bardo National Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Roman mosaic collection unique in the world.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Bardo National Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Virgil mosaic
◆Triumph of Neptune
◆Ulysses and the Sirens mosaic
◆Ottoman palace interiors

Recognition & awards

Bardo National Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

Roman mosaic collection unique in the world

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:30–17:00. Closed Mon.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Bardo National Museum is located in Tunis, Tunisia at coordinates 36.8092°N, 10.1342°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Bardo National Museum

Bardo National Museum was established in 1888, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Tunis. With 600,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Tunisia's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important archaeology & antiquity museums in the Africa region.

Other top archaeology & antiquity museums

If you enjoy archaeology & antiquity museums like Bardo National Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#10Acropolis MuseumAthens, Greece
#23Egyptian MuseumCairo, Egypt
#24Grand Egyptian MuseumGiza, Egypt
#31Pergamon MuseumBerlin, Germany
#32Israel MuseumJerusalem, Israel

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Bardo National Museum?

Tue–Sun 9:30–17:00. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Bardo National Museum?

Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Bardo National Museum located?

Bardo National Museum is located in Tunis, Tunisia. The exact coordinates are 36.8092°, 10.1342°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Bardo National Museum known for?

The world's largest Roman mosaic collection. Key highlights include Virgil mosaic, Triumph of Neptune, Ulysses and the Sirens mosaic. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 4,500 reviews.