The site was discovered in 1892, and archaeological excavations revealed several well-preserved Roman mosaics, statues and other artifacts, as well as a number of tombstones and other remains from the cemetery.

Although the house was mostly destroyed over time, its mosaics have survived largely intact, and they are comparable with those found at Pompeii or Sicily.

A number of 1st century AD statues of the imperial Roman family, along with coins, glassware, tableware, bath accessories, amphorae and other fine artifacts have also been found in the domus.

It was subsequently excavated by the leading archaeologists of the time, including Antonio Annetto Caruana, Sir Themistocles Zammit, Robert V. Galea, Harris Dunscombe Colt and Louis Upton Way.

[3] In 1922, the museum was enlarged to designs by the architect Galizia,[clarification needed] and a neoclassical façade and a large display room were added.