As early as 1878, the year when the Romanian Old Kingdom acquired Northern Dobruja, its first prefect, Remus Opreanu, proposed creating an archaeology museum.

[1] The city hall building, now that of the museum, was built between 1912 and 1921, and designed by Victor Ștefănescu in the Romanian National Style.

In 1957, the museum was reorganized under the leadership of Vasile Canarache and moved into a new building, now the Archbishop's Palace.

[1] The archaeological collection includes 24 sculptures (statues and bas reliefs) found in 1962 while foundations were being dug for an apartment building.

Sculptures of Tyche, the protecting divinity of Tomis (ancient Constanța), and of Pontus, god of the Black Sea, date to the same period.

It is noted for the artistic value of the painted interior, featuring elements both of Ancient Greek religion and Christianity.

At the time of its construction, was criticized for its excessive cost, and for blocking wind from the sea, creating a heat island.