Housed in the medieval Palazzo dei Priori, so named by historian Luigi Dasti because it was the possible seat of the city magistracy, it houses three different collections.

– The ceramics of the ‘butti’ of the Palazzo dei Priori (Room 1). This room contains ceramics and other materials (glass, coins, bone and metal objects) dating from between the 13th and 17th centuries which were discovered by the Società Tarquiniense d’Arte e Storia in a number of ‘butto‘ pits inside the palace itself. One of these ‘butti‘ (basins dug into the natural bank for the purpose of dumping rubbish) is still visible in front of the museum’s entrance door.

– The Cultrera Collection (Room 2). The collection is named after the archaeologist Giuseppe Cultrera, a leading cultural figure in early 20th-century Corneto-Tarquinia. He was the founder and first president of the Società Tarquiniense d’Arte e Storia (S.T.A.S.). The collection includes over 200 pieces of pottery and a few pieces of glass dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, all of which were found in unlicensed excavations of the butti located in the historic centre of Tarquinia and subsequently donated to the S.T.A.S.. It is a precious collection which increases our knowledge of ceramic production in Corneto between the 13th and 18th centuries and allows experts to identify the area’s commercial and political ties at that time.

In the same collection, a number of rooms have been reconstructed, complete with original crockery and utensils. One of the main reconstructions is a kitchen which was found under the pavement of the Piazza del Duomo. It was part of a building that belonged to the Roman Savelli family and which was later passed on to the Serlupi Crescenzi family.

– The S.T.A.S. Contemporary Ceramic Art Collection (Room 1). In 2018, the Association instituted two art prizes, dedicated to Luciano Marziano and Vasco Giovanni Palombini, with the aim of promoting contemporary ceramics, which, in Tarquinia, has its roots in ancient techniques that have continued in situ until today. The awards are biennial, and are linked to one another. The first award is given to art critics and is awarded to a professional who has distinguished him or herself through his or her work and scientific production. The winner is then commissioned to curate an exhibition of contemporary ceramic art.  The second prize is then awarded to the best piece on display. The secondary aim of these art prizes is to create, over the years, a collection of high quality ceramic pieces that can be enjoyed by the public.

Currently in the permanent exhibition visitors will find the following pieces:
– Zero by Silvia Celeste Calcagno;
– Le Ermetriche by Marco Ferri;
– Nuovo by Attilio Quintili, a triptych of bucchero canopic jars;
– Contemporanea Etrusca by Marco Vallesi.

Also part of this section are 28 Raku ceramic pieces made during a workshop promoted by S.T.A.S.. Organised by Luciano Marziano and taught by the artist Nino Caruso, participants included the ceramists Luigi Belli, Giovanni Calandrini, Marino Ceccarini, Marco Ferri, Michele Golia, Massimo Luccioli, Brian Mobbs and Marco Vallesi.