Museums and archaeological sites in Elba

Museums, archaeological sites, travelling exhibitions tell us of the Island of Elba's complex history

The best known museums on the island of Elba are those relating to Napoleon Bonaparte's exile: both Napoleonic residences are in Portoferraio, where you can also visit the small but very important Napoleonic Antiques Museum, as well as the small Vigilanti theatre house, that Napoleon chose to have built from a deconsacrated church and changed into a place of entertainment.

However, in the book of the history of Elba, there is only a small paragraph about Napoleon: the most important civilizations of the Mediterranean lived on this territory for thousands of years, and proof of their presence is clearly seen in the museums and archeological sites.All the travelling and artistic exhibitions held mostly during the summer months tell of the complex history of the Island of Elba, enrichening what is on show in the museums, libraries and picture galleries all over the island.