It is the oldest museum in Basilicata region. It was established with a national law in 1911 by the senator and archaeologist Matera Domenico Ridola, who donated to the state his precious collection. 

It shows lot of archeological findings in the Matera area from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. 
To the Neolithic age belong ceramics from Serra d'Alto, characterized by combinations of broken lines, diamonds, triangles and squares, with belt loops often topped with busts stylized animals. Some tombs of the Archaic and Classical cemeteries and a selection of statuettes of votive offerings dedicated to Kore-Persephone come from the town of Timmari. 

The Rizzon collection includes monumental ceramics (protolucana and apula factory) among which is a splendid Loutrophoros with red figures dating back to the fourth century BC.