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The Armoury, Valletta
The Armoury contains some fine examples of mediaeval
armour and weapons used by the Knights. Among the thousands of exhibits are
Grand Master La Vallette’s suit of armour and a magnificent ceremonial suit
worn by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt.
Manoel Theatre and Museum, Valletta
In 1731, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena commissioned
the construction of the Manoel Theatre. It is one of the oldest theatres in
Europe and is still used. Adjacent to the theatre is the Theatre Museum housed
in Palazzo Bonici.
National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
Displays items of pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements and personal
ornaments. Typical examples of Punic and Roman Tomb furniture along with the
museum’s most prized exhibits – The Maltese Venus and The Sleeping Lady.
National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta
On display are works by local and internationally renowned artists such as,
Ribera, Mattia Preti, Mathias Stomer and many others. Also included in the
Museum’s collection and on show are sculpture, furniture and other works of
art connected with the Order of St. John, notably the ‘monetarium’ – a
unique collection of coins.
Police Museum, Floriana
Arguably Malta’s least known museum, the Police
Museum – housed at the corps’ headquarters – showcases the force’s
history.
St. John’s Museum,
Valletta
The Oratory and Museum contain two masterpieces by Caravaggio, including the Beheading
of St. John the Baptist. Also on display are the surviving Cathedral silver,
a unique collection of clerical vestments and the Flemish tapestries depicting
religious stories made in the late 17th century.
Toy Museum,
Valletta
Showcased on three floors are toys from the 1950’s onward. Of particular
interest is a fine collection of Corgy, Dinky and Matchbox cars.
War Museum, Valletta
The War Museum is packed with hardware, photographs
and memorabilia from World War II, ranging from the heroic Gloster Gladiator –
christened Faith, part of the trio of planes known as Faith, Hope and
Charity, to the George Cross, awarded to the Maltese people for their
bravery by King George VI in 1942.
Bir Mula Heritage House,
Vittoriosa
Bir Mula Heritage House is a building said to be 1000 years old. It was bought
as a home by its present owners, and during the conversion of the property they
discovered ancient artefacts. This privately owned Museum also features some
items found within the Cottonera area.
Inquisitor’s Palace, Vittoriosa
Originally the Court of Justice, until 1574 when the Inquisitor’s Palace was
born. The Inquisitors sat here and an unknown number of people were tortured and
died at their hands. The dungeons with prisoners’ graffiti are still there, as
are the courtrooms and the Inquisitors’ Chapel. Also on display in the Museum
are exhibits of household utensils, tools, furniture and craft paraphernalia.
Maritime Museum,
Vittoriosa
On display at this museum are exhibits which have played a part in Malta’s
Maritime history. There is a good variety of ship models, paintings, nautical
instruments, weapons and traditional Maltese boats. Two halls are dedicated to
the navy of the Order of St. John and Royal Navy.
Malta Aviation Museum, Ta'Crafts/Crafts Village
Housed at a former Royal Air Force station, pride of place at the Aviation
Museum are a rebuilt Spitfire Mk IX and a Hawker Hurricane IIa. Also on show are
a Douglas DC3, a Beechcraft, a Vampire T11 and a variety of items salvaged from
aircraft – mostly World War II vintage.
Cathedral Museum, Mdina
This museum stands on an ancient site, thought to be the Villa of Publius the
Roman governor. It contains various art treasures, manuscripts, papal bulls and
vestments of ancient lace, paintings and a fine collection of Durer Woodcuts.
Museum of Roman Antiquities,
Rabat
In 1881 remains of a Roman townhouse where discovered on this site. There are
some excellent exhibits and the museum houses the principle remains of Malta’s
Roman period (218 BCE – 870 ACE) and enclose the Roman Villa, notable for its
fine mosaics.
National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
This museum is located in the magnificent Palazzo Vilhena, also known as the
Magisterial Palace. It houses seven sections comprising of local and foreign
collections. These include skeletal anatomy, birds, fish, insects, shells,
fossils and items of geological interest.
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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