Heritage Malta’s Museums by Candlelight returns with a spectacular new edition in Valletta on June 6.
Six of the city’s historic sites will be illuminated by the soft, flickering glow of candlelight and enhanced by music, live performances and re-enactments.
At the National Museum of Archaeology, housed within the Auberge de Provence, visitors journey through the earliest chapters of Malta’s story, from the Neolithic period to the Phoenician era. Among the museum’s extensive collections are iconic artefacts such as the Sleeping Lady and the Venus of Malta. Visitors will be accompanied throughout the evening by the gentle violin notes of Mario Ciantar.
The majestic Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta’s architectural jewel and seat of power for over 450 years, now grants public access to more than 85 per cent of its footprint. Its Piano Nobile corridors, State Rooms, and reinstated Palace Armoury attest to the opulence of the Order of St John, complemented by the soothing melodies of Dean Muscat & the Lazarenes.
Nearby, MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum, housed within the Auberge d’Italie, presents a vast collection of artworks reflecting Malta’s artistic evolution within its wider Mediterranean and cultural context. The museum’s halls will be further animated by the live tunes of Mark Rapa and Raquela Dalli Gonzi.
The adjacent church of St Catherine of Italy – designed by Girolamo Cassar for the Italian Knights and the only surviving example of a Hospitaller church annexed to its original auberge – will also welcome the public. Pianist Clint Spiteri will be performing.
Visitors will also be able to experience St John’s Co-Cathedral like never before, with its baroque interior illuminated by candlelight. Home to Mattia Preti’s vaulted ceiling frescoes and Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St John the Baptist, the cathedral is an unforgettable stop.
For the first time, Museums by Candlelight extends to Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum. Fort St Elmo was a protagonist in some of Malta’s greatest episodes and a powerful symbol of its rich military history. Within this remarkable setting, Show of Arms re-enactors will transport guests to the 17th century, as the The Big Band Brothers play on.
Colourful In Guardia re-enactors will also march from in front of the Parliament building in Republic Street at 7pm and proceed towards the Grand Master’s Palace, where they will station until midnight.
Tickets at €6 granting access to all six sites are available online, at Heritage Malta museums and sites, or at the door of the Heritage Malta sites open as part of the event. Heritage Malta members enter free of charge, although pre-booking is required.
Full details about tickets, transport, accessibility and visitor guidelines are available here.
