Ten British veterans are conducting voluntary work in Malta in collaboration with Heritage Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), as part of the Alabaré project themed ‘Boots on the Ground’, happening from the 3rd till the 15th of May.

These veterans experienced hardship upon leaving the military and were supported by Alabaré – a leading homeless charity with homes and services across England and Wales. It has been transforming lives since 1991 and today offers support to the homeless, veterans, young people, those struggling with their mental wellbeing, and individuals with learning disabilities.

On Thursday 8th May – the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, the British High Commissioner to Malta, Cathy Ward, and Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit, visited Fort Delimara to meet the volunteers and see the ongoing works.

The volunteer programme taking place in Malta is aimed at empowering veterans and providing them with a sense of belonging and an opportunity to enhance their resilience and self-esteem. The group of veterans taking part includes both male and female participants, the oldest being 67 years of age. Two of the veterans have participated in similar projects in Gibraltar over the past two years.

During the initial phase, the primary focus has been to aid in the preservation of Fort Delimara, a significant historic military site in Malta. Participants have engaged in hands-on work, including cleaning, rust removal and painting tasks. These efforts will help protect the fort’s structure and ensure that its historical features are preserved for future generations. Additionally, volunteers have had the opportunity to explore Malta’s rich cultural heritage through scheduled visits at various Heritage Malta sites. These excursions provided deeper insight into the island’s history, architecture and military significance, enhancing the veterans’ overall experience and appreciation of Malta’s past.

Minister Owen Bonnici remarked that, “This initiative reflects the heart of the veterans who, despite having their own challenges, chose to give back by contributing towards the preservation of our heritage. The ‘Boots on the Ground’ project is a clear example of how collaboration between nations can lead to results that increase both cultural and human value. I thank Heritage Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta and the Alabaré organisation for this initiative that fosters reciprocal respect and communal values.”

Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer commended Alabaré for this initiative and thanked the volunteers for their meticulous work in support of Malta’s cultural heritage. He said that engaging in a volunteering opportunity with Heritage Malta is a rewarding and meaningful experience that embodies the true spirit of the agency’s slogan ‘Part of Us’, for both locals and foreigners.

Andrew Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Alabaré, said that, “This partnership between Alabaré, Armed Forces Malta, Heritage Malta and Visit Malta demonstrates the positive impact we can have on our communities when we work together. This group of veterans who have been supported by Alabaré have shown how the power of resilience and hope can transform lives.”

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With the arrival of warmer spring days, the public is welcome to enjoy the freely accessible green areas within three Heritage Malta sites – Villa Portelli, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, and St Paul’s Catacombs. These outdoor spaces offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural ambiance.

Villa Portelli, currently regaining its splendour in one of Heritage Malta’s main restoration projects, sits proudly on the hillside overlooking the Grand Harbour’s Kalkara Creek. Dating back to the early 19th century, this grand villa – named after its earliest known owner, businessman and statesman Agostino Portelli – witnessed the transformation of Kalkara from a quaint fishing enclave to a hub of maritime significance. Its grounds and lush gardens, recently regenerated in collaboration with Project Green, are open to the public every Sunday from 07:30 till 16:00.

Heading over to the panoramic southern coast of Malta, the landscape around the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park in Qrendi offers another idyllic escape from our frenetic urban lives. With a fertile plain to its east and a garrigue sloping down to the sea, commanding charming views of Filfla and the open waters, the area surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an incredible spot for hiking and to let yourself be mesmerised by the beauty of our planet as you bathe in the sun’s beams at dawn or dusk. A resting area, free binoculars, explained nature routes and interpretation along the way assure an enjoyable and insightful visit. Access is unlimited, and available through a passage on the left of the site’s parking area. 

Rabat’s St Paul’s Catacombs provide another great opportunity to unwind, with a difference. This unique site’s green spaces can be accessed for free by the public after visiting hours. With seating and public convenience facilities, this space offers a bubble of peace within the city centre. Serving as a burial ground from Punic, Roman and Byzantine times, these catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. Access to the green area is allowed from 20:00 till 22:00, as per site opening hours until October 2025. Later updates will be added here: https://heritagemalta.mt/opening-hours/.

For more information on any of these spaces you can visit https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/ or call (+356) 22 954 300.

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The President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, has informed Heritage Malta that she will be granting her patronage to the second edition of the Malta Biennale. The Biennale will take place from March 11 till May 29, next year.

The Malta Biennale will once again take place in museums and historical sites managed by Heritage Malta, in Valletta, Birgu, Xagħra and Ċittadella in Gozo. Currently, there is an international open call for artist participation in the upcoming edition, with proposals pouring in from all over the world and already topping 100 in number.

The second edition of this international contemporary art platform will take place during the same timeframe of the first edition. During this period, the cultural environment across the Maltese Islands will be at its peak, with traditional events and celebrations enhancing the international art exhibitions taking place across museums and historical sites. The first edition of the Biennale received considerable international media attention, so much so that it placed the platform on the global contemporary art map. The Malta Biennale is a Heritage Malta initiative aimed at enhancing
the relevance of its sites and museums by creating a dialogue between contemporary art and cultural heritage.

Acclaimed international curator Rosa Martínez was appointed Artistic Director of the second edition of the Malta Biennale. She was the first female Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale in 2005, in the 110-year history of this international exhibition. The title of the Malta Biennale 2026 is: Clean | Clear | Cut (Tnaddaf | Tgħarraf | Tferraq).

There are three international open calls currently underway: one for artist participation which is open until June 30, another for national pavilions, open till August 29, and a new call for satellite events which runs till July 25. All the calls can be viewed and accessed via www.maltabiennale.art.

The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta, in partnership with Arts Council Malta and in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, and with VisitMalta.

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At the heart of this year’s edition of the popular Museums by Candlelight is the sword of honour personally awarded by Napoleon in 1800 to Denis Decrès, a famous French Rear Admiral. This sword was given in recognition of Decrès’s involvement in the French Blockade, as commander of the warship Guillaume Tell. For the first time, this sword—recently acquired by Heritage Malta—will be exhibited at the Malta Maritime Museum.

Museums by Candlelight, organized by Heritage Malta in collaboration with the Birgu Local Council, invites the public to experience the Malta Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor’s Place and Fort St Angelo during a special evening on Saturday, 10th of May. Visitors will be welcomed by the flickering light of candles and the enlivening beats of live music during extended evening hours. All three sites will open at 19:00 and remain open until midnight.

Three interesting exhibitions are currently set up in the sites’ unique ambiences. ‘An Island at the Crossroads’ at the Malta Maritime Museum, now including the Decrès sword, focuses on how our islands were always at the heart of Mediterranean commerce and politics. Curatorial staff will provide insights on key artefacts in the exhibition, and answer any of the public’s queries. An immersive experience also transports visitors straight into Malta’s Drydocks. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit, as the museum is set to close on May 31st for the second phase of restoration.

The Inquisitor’s Palace, on the other hand, is permanently housing the captivating ‘Fare Convito – The Archaeology of Banqueting in Hospitaller Malta’, which delves into the intersection of food, art, and politics, revealing the intricate rituals of Baroque banqueting in Malta. ‘Threads of Faith – Liturgical Vestments of the Order of St John’, also at the Inquisitor’s Palace, zooms in on the refined garments worn by the clergy during the rule of the religious order in Malta, and even before.

A diverse entertainment programme will make the night even more special. Luke Briffa will perform to the sweet notes of live guitar, violin and cajon at the Malta Maritime Museum from 20:30 to 23:30, the Ta’ Verna Folk Band will enthral audiences visiting the Inquisitor’s Palace from 20:00 till 22:00, and Bernie & Pod will be the stars at Fort St Angelo from 20:30 to 23:30.

Tickets combining admission to all three sites, for a €3 donation, are available online on: https://heritagemalta.mt/store/c445/ and will also be available at the door on the day. This event is generously sponsored by Carisma Collections.

The public is encouraged to follow Heritage Malta’s WhatsApp Channel to stay informed on the agency’s events , and receive important alerts and updates about potential postponements due to unforeseen circumstances:  whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb4UJxw1yT29ko3Gkq2F

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Heritage Malta has been officially certified as the 44^th Europeana Aggregator and the National Aggregator for Malta’s Cultural Heritage. This marks a major milestone both for Heritage Malta and the Maltese Islands, as our digitised cultural heritage data is now being published directly on Europeana – an online platform that provides the general public, including cultural heritage enthusiasts, professionals, teachers, and researchers, with access to Europe’s digital cultural heritage. 

The news was announced following a meeting earlier this month of the Europeana Aggregators Forum, where Anthony Cassar, Head of Heritage Malta’s Technology and Experience Development Unit, delivered a presentation as the agency’s formal application. The presentation was followed by a vote which confirmed Heritage Malta’s status as the national aggregator. Although the Government of Malta tasked the agency with this role in 2022, the official certification gives Heritage Malta formal and meaningful recognition at a European level. 

The cultural heritage data presented on the Europeana website is provided by thousands of European institutions, such as galleries, libraries, archives, and museums. There are currently more than 60 million objects listed on the website. The platform works through aggregators, like Heritage Malta, which act as technical mediators for other institutions within each country to help them share their cultural heritage collections.  

In Heritage Malta’s case, the first step was to connect its recently set up Collections Management System (CMS), where the national collection is being catalogued, with Europeana, ensuring that collection data, images and metadata align with the technical standards set by the platform. The first collections shared to the platform comprise nearly 1,000 artefacts from the Malta Maritime Museum and Gozo Museum of Archaeology. The artefacts may be viewed here: https://www.europeana.eu/en/collections/organisation/3606-heritage-malta  

Each artefact comprises a catalogue description and a high-resolution image, produced by Heritage Malta’s curators and its Digitisation Unit. This data can be accessed by anyone using the Europeana portal and will continue to be expanded along the years. This will create greater visibility for Heritage Malta and for Malta’s cultural heritage in general.  

Commenting on this achievement, Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, said that this milestone marks the realisation of a vision set in motion six years ago with the creation of the Digitisation Unit. “What started as an ambitious dream is now placing Malta firmly on the digital heritage map, with Heritage Malta leading the way,” Mr Zammit said. 

Anthony Cassar remarked that this achievement is the result of years of hard work, which included the setting up of a Collections Management System aligned with international metadata standards, as well as the structuring of the Digitisation Unit’s infrastructure to integrate directly with Europeana. “Thanks to the hard work of all those concerned, our CMS now connects with Europeana’s aggregation system via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), enabling automated publishing once curators approve entries,” stated Mr Cassar. 

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Three sets of Japanese Samurai armour, originally gifted to Malta in 1862 as part of a diplomatic mission, have been meticulously restored and reassembled by expert conservators in Japan—thanks to a collaborative initiative between Heritage Malta, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and the Embassy of Malta in Japan.

In a landmark moment for cultural diplomacy, and on the initiative of the Malta Enterprise, one of the restored Samurai armours—alongside a historically significant suit of armour of the Order of St John—will be on display at the Malta Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, as Malta and Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. On the Malta pavilion, replicas of a Neolithic Seated Figure, the Majmuna Stone and the Phoenician Cippus of Malta will be on display representing the multi-cultural history of Malta.

The samurai armours were donated during the visit of a Japanese delegation that included the renowned intellectual Yukichi Fukuzawa—a Samurai, educator, philosopher, and later a prominent figure in Japan’s modernisation who founded the prestigious Keio University in Tokyo and whose portrait until recently featured on the Japanese 10,000 yen banknote. The delegation formed part of the Bunkyu Mission, which aimed to renegotiate unequal treaties and engaged in high-level diplomatic meetings across Europe. Malta’s strategic location made it a natural stopover during this historic voyage before embarking to France. It is the first recorded visit of Japanese people to Malta.

From 19th century photographs, we see that one of the pieces remained on display at the Grand Master’s Palace Armoury until the onset of World War II, when it was moved to underground storage to protect it from bombings. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to humidity caused severe deterioration of its organic components, rendering it unexhibitable for decades.

With no local or European specialists capable of restoring such artefacts, the Samurai armours remained boxed and in storage—until a new chapter began in 2016, when Malta’s Ambassador to Japan, H.E. André Spiteri, visited the Palace Armoury and recognised the significance of restoring the long-forgotten gift.

Ambassador Spiteri offered to help identify Japanese experts with the right skills, eventually securing the collaboration of the Kyoto Art Restoration Centre run by the talented Harumasa Miyashita, also a tea ceremony master, which specialises in the conservation of historical Japanese artefacts. Coordinating closely with Heritage Malta, the Ambassador personally accompanied the fragile artefacts to Japan in 2023 to ensure their safe transport to the atelier.

Throughout the restoration process, extraordinary care was taken to preserve original materials and techniques. Remarkably, what was initially believed to be parts of two suits of armour turned out—through expert analysis and reassembly—to include elements from a previously undocumented third suit, making this an important rediscovery in itself.

This cross-cultural initiative not only preserved an irreplaceable artefact but also symbolises the renewal of historical ties and mutual respect between Malta and Japan. What was once a forgotten diplomatic gift has now been transformed into a vibrant icon of shared heritage—ready to be appreciated by millions of visitors at Expo 2025, and later, once again, at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta.

This project stands as a testament to Heritage Malta’s dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage and the power of international collaboration in reviving history—not only for preservation, but for the public to experience, appreciate, and cherish as part of the rich and enduring legacy shared between Malta and Japan.

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Heritage Malta and the Malta Food Agency have cemented an agreement strengthening their collaboration in promoting Malta’s rich food heritage and supporting the local food industry.

Food is an integral part of our cultural heritage, which Heritage Malta is entrusted with safeguarding. The agency’s new partnership with the Malta Food Agency, which delivers public services related to food derived from farming and fisheries, furthers this mission. The agreement delineates a framework converging the two entities’ efforts towards elevating the standing of Maltese food products and their history, both locally and internationally.

Through this strategic partnership, both entities will work together to foster awareness, development, and sustainability within the food industry. Key areas of collaboration include bolstering local food products and producers on a global scale and exploring opportunities for international cooperation and commercial initiatives that add value to local food and food heritage.

The two entities will collaborate to increase opportunities for local food industry stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge, and foster dialogue in relation to the industry. The agreement also facilitates joint research projects, innovation initiatives, and technology sharing, and establishes the partners’ mutual interest to co-create new food products.

Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, remarked: “We look forward to exploring the myriad opportunities for expansion in the local food sector that this new agreement opens. Malta’s astounding food merits wider appreciation and the best platforms in which to prosper. Heritage Malta has long fostered a deeper appreciation of local fare through its gastronomic arm, Taste History – an innovative concept through which a professional team of curators and chefs come together to recreate menus from a bygone area, inspired by archival research, artefacts, and paintings.”

Mr Brian Vella, the Malta Food Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that: “This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards celebrating and elevating Malta’s unique food identity. By uniting our strengths with Heritage Malta, we are not only safeguarding our culinary traditions but also empowering local producers and opening new avenues for innovation and international recognition. Together, we aim to ensure that Maltese food is not just remembered but also experienced and enjoyed by future generations both locally and abroad.

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Heritage Malta’s interactive portal Tales of Kottonera has been enhanced with three new features – a graphic novel, a series of heritage trails, and an additional character to the ones already in place, guiding visitors around the Three Cities and Kalkara.

The portal, launched in October last year and developed in collaboration with Marketlink Ltd, provides an innovative way of exploring the rich history and culture of the Kottonera region. With a content targeting various audiences and age groups, it is a treasure trove of resources, historical facts, lesser-known stories, and interesting curiosities about this iconic locality.

Tales of Kottonera is a project managed by Heritage Malta Publishing, as the agency’s unit responsible for didactic resources. Both the graphic novel and the heritage trails were conceived and produced by this unit.

The newly added graphic novel, titled The Cursed Thief, may also be accessed as a hard copy and is the first title in the new series Chilling Tales of Malta and Gozo, published by Heritage Malta through its publishing unit. It recounts the true story of a theft from the Church of St Theresa in Cospicua in 1837. Pawlu Galea, from Vittoriosa, broke into the church, desecrating the tabernacle and stealing the sacred ciborium. The ciborium was later found, following a frantic search in the neighbourhood. On the site where it was discovered in Birgu, the Discalced Carmelite friars built a small chapel and the place is known to this day as ‘Fejn Sabu s-Sinjur’ (‘Where the Lord was Found’).

The heritage trails – one each for Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Kalkara – take visitors across 21 fascinating stops in every city. As they walk along and learn about the history of the area, users can solve fun challenges and scan QR codes to reveal even more exciting stories about Kottonera. Each trail is designed to give a foretaste of Kottonera’s rich cultural heritage and to induce virtual visitors to experience the trail physically and more holistically.

The additional character is that of Filomena, who joins Salvu and Bertu on the portal. Eventually the portal will have six animated characters in all, each recounting tales about Kottonera from their own perspective. Filomena’s remit, for instance, is the historical commercial aspect of Kottonera.

The three new features were launched during an event to which students from De La Salle College were invited, together with representatives of Kottonera local councils and NGOs. The event was held inside the Church of St Theresa, to complement the story about the theft of 1837. The stolen ciborium and the forced door of the tabernacle, still preserved by the friars, were also placed on display during the event. Afterwards, the students were shown the place where the ciborium was recovered.

Commenting on this event, Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, said that Tales of Kottonera offers an innovative means for the public to become familiar with the Kottonera region, appreciate its history and culture, and yearn to know more about it by visiting it in person. He added that the portal, now even more enhanced with the new additions, beautifully complements physical visits to Kottonera by providing a wider context and an alternative perspective.

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On Monday, 31st March, Heritage Malta invites the public to experience the iconic Freedom Day Regatta from one of the finest vantage points in the Grand Harbour – Fort St Angelo.

The Regatta, a defining tradition of Maltese maritime heritage, sees skilled rowing teams from various cities and villages battling it out in a gripping series of races. Each stroke in the Grand Harbour’s bright blue inches them closer to claiming the coveted Palju. The thrilling competition unfolds in the creek below the Fort, offering its visitors an unrivalled view of the action.

For this special occasion, Fort St Angelo will open its doors at a reduced admission fee, giving visitors a rare opportunity not only to witness the Regatta but also explore one of Malta’s most iconic strongholds – through both traditional and innovative immersive displays, and staggering examples of artillery.

The historical Magistral Palace – the first official residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John on the islands and still serving this function today – will also be accessible, allowing guests to walk through the very halls where history was shaped.

Beyond the race itself, the event will also offer engaging activities for all ages. From 10:00 to 11:30, young visitors can participate in a unique art activity at Egmont Hall, while In Guardia re-enactors will bring history to life with captivating displays throughout the fort from 10:00 to 14:00.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.heritagemalta.mt/store, at any Heritage Malta museum or site, and at the door on the day of the event. The last allowed entry is at 18:30.

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Organised by Heritage Malta, the theme and conceptual framework of the Malta Biennale 2026 was announced during a press conference at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, on March 26, 2025, marking the official countdown to next year’s already anticipated international exhibition. During the conference, three open calls were officially launched, inviting local and international artists to submit proposals for projects and exhibitions; for embassies to organise national and/or thematic pavilions; and, lastly, for satellite events – a new component of the Biennale.

The Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, said that the Malta Biennale proves that our country can be an international centre of culture, where contemporary art dialogues with the island’s historical past.

“The success of the Biennale, with recognition from UNESCO, together with strong foreign interest, demonstrates Malta’s potential in the cultural sector. This platform not only gives space and opportunity to artists but also offers a unique experience to Maltese and visitors alike, thanks to all its participants. This is but the beginning of a success story,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

Mario Cutajar, President of the Malta Biennale, expressed how the second edition of this international exhibition of contemporary art will continue to build upon the premise adopted for the inaugural edition in 2024. At its core, the Biennale creates an open dialogue with contemporary art, through which we may glean knowledge of our past and our history, but also of ourselves and our identity. The Malta Biennale is therefore the backbone of the vision which Heritage Malta has been actively developing in order to safeguard the islands’ cultural heritage. Simultaneously, the Biennale creates increased opportunities for Maltese artists, by building upon the successes of the first edition that placed Malta on the international contemporary art map, and by showcasing our cultural heritage and all that makes us Maltese and Mediterranean. Mr Cutajar concluded by saying that the second edition aspires to strengthen this international platform further, by looking optimistically ahead towards future editions.

During her speech, artistic director Rosa Martínez noted how her curatorial experiences in Malta in 2018 and 2022 awoke in her “a permanent interest in the cultural development of the island […] Now I feel a strong desire to offer again my professional experience and my updated visions to the young Biennale.

Rosa Martínez brings her extensive expertise in international bienniales and thematic exhibitions to the Malta Biennale. Supported by a curatorial team composed of Antoine Borg Micallef and Alexia Medici, she expounds on the thematic and conceptual framework selected for the second edition of the Biennale, and how the title of the 2026 edition was carefully construed:

• CLEAN: Stop environmental, ethical and aesthetic pollution. Purge, digest, expel.
• CLEAR: Discern, decipher, elucidate, understand.
• CUT: Break away, radically shift direction, open new paths.

“The Biennale will question how contemporary art can enhance critical awareness of our past and present, while fostering the experience and enjoyment of beauty. It will also address some of the most pressing needs of our time by promoting dialogues between the rich cultural heritage of the Maltese archipelago, contemporary thought and innovative artistic practices,” said Rosa Martínez.

The open call for artists will run from March 26 to June 30, 2025; the call for National Pavilions will run from March 26 to August 29, 2025; and the call for Satellite Events will run from March 26 to July 25, 2025. All the calls can be viewed and accessed via: www.maltabiennale.art

The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta, in partnership with Arts Council Malta and in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government and with VisitMalta.

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