The museum was established in 1936 on the basis of a rich collection of local artеfacts related to Antiquity.

It was officially opened in 1970 as a municipal cultural institution during the Fourth National Archaeological Conference held in Blagoevgrad. The museum organizes and conducts archaeological research on the site of the ancient settlement, located below the modern city of Sandanski. It has representative collections of grave marble sculptures and antique mosaics. A prominent highlight of his work is the maintenance and display of the ancient site "Basilica of Bishop John". Its fund includes over 11,000 movable cultural assets. It carries out promotional and scientific activities. A branch of the Museum in Sandanski and the Museum in the town of Melnik.