There is a tremendously huge collection of funereal urns from the Etruscan times and sarchophagi from the Sperandio area. Of special interest is the famous Perugian Memorial Stone in travertine rock with one of the longest Etruscan inscriptions yet to be discovered mentioning the Velthina and Afuna families, properties and tombs. This is outside Room VII, but the Stone, at writing time, remains under restoration.
I spoke to one of the guards on duty hoping to find out when it would once again be on public display. After a minute discussing with his fellow office mates, he ushered me along a corridor, pushed open a makeshift cardboard ‘Non Entrance’ ("Ingresso Vietato") sign, and led me into a musty corner of the museum. There he lifted a heavy sheet of clear plastic and showed me the famous Stone. I was moved beyond tears, not so much by the sight of it but by the kindness and generosity of this Italian man. As I was trying to take a picture of it, he wagged his finger and asked that I not do it. I smiled and thanked him profusely, then we walked back out.
Room IV has on display a war chariot that’s definitely worth a visit. In all, the Archaeological museum is a must-visit as it houses the most splendid collection artefacts, second only to the musem at the Palazzo dei Priori. If you are travelling alone, be sure to be there in the early morning, or when there is still plenty of sunshine. The Museum is very deserted and quiet, and since it is full of funeral objects, does invoke a sense of errie fear in the air.