It was decided to build the Museum in the best preserved and most important archaeological area of the city.
Carlos Guimarães and Luís Soares Carneiro are the authors of the architectonic project. It has three main linked bodies - the technical and of services sector, the cafeteria and public area.
The technical sector comprises of a restoration laboratory and other related sectors concerned with the study, protection and preservation of the collections and those belonging to other museums of the region.
The public area comprises of exhibition spaces, an auditorium, a shop, a library, educational services and a garden with direct access.