The museum, founded in 1823 by Emanuele Barba, is a "Chamber of onders" with various collections, including fossils, weapons, clothing and works by Giovanni Andrea Coppola. It exhibits archaeological finds, sarcophagi, messapic pots, local portraits and a numismatic collection. In 2010, the section on genetic disorders reopened after 10 years. Located in an old building dating back to the 1800s, the museum is divided into three sections: the main museum, "Ex Sant'Angelo" library and Coppola Collection Hall.

The Historical Archive of Gallipoli is located on the ground floor of the former Oratorio dei Nobili (Oratory of the Nobles) a magnificent building distinguished by an elegant facade with a wide double-ramped staircase.

The Municipal Library of Gallipoli is located on the first floor of the former Oratorio dei Nobili (Oratory of the Nobles) a magnificent building distinguished by an elegant facade with a wide double-ramped staircase.

La preziosa Collezione Coppola, composta da 20 affascinanti tele, è un tributo all'arte di Giovanni Andrea Coppola, illustre medico e pittore originario di Gallipoli (1597-1659).

Il Museo ospita una sezione dedicata ai Cetacei, la piu’ importante raccolta presente in Puglia, con scheletri completi di Tursiope, Stenella, Grampoe Zifio, questi ultimi di notevole importanza scientifica e di estrema rarita’ nel panorama museale italiano.