This September, Science in the City returns to Valletta on Friday and Saturday. This year’s theme, ‘Past Forward’, invites visitors to explore how technology, art and science have changed from the past, to the present, and into the future.
The event promises immersive performances in Sala San Duminku, to open-air labs around the Triton Fountain, ranging from virtual exploration with VR to hands-on experiences. Science in the City acts as a way to blend science and the arts into more tangible subjects for everyone of all ages.
Why visit Science in the City?
Since launching in 2012, Science in the City has grown from over 10,000 visitors into a major national event, bringing in over 30,000 individuals in 2024 across 90 partner organisations, and powered by more than 600 volunteers. The festival’s aim is to bring in specialist of different sectors, such as scientists and artists, to engage audeicnes of all backgournfs in different interactive exhibits.
The Past Forward theme roots this year’s edition in the dialogue between eras: how old techniques, classical thinking, and historical discoveries still ripple into today’s ideas. Rather than dismiss nostalgia, the festival embraces it.
The festival is perfect for people who enjoy wandering, wondering, and being surprised by the different events – acting as a perfect opportunity to see the everyday world through a new lens.
What to experience: highlights from the programme
Below are some of the various events and installations you definitely won’t want to miss (times and venues from the official site).
The Street Festival at Triton Square /runs from 6-11pm, both days of the festival. Here you’ll find over 100 stands which will transform the square into a buzzing open-air playground, where experiments, robotics, immersive installations, interactive games, visual literature and public science meet.
Among the attractions are:
– Pharmacy Time Machine (6+) – discover pharmacy’s journey from ancient remedies to modern medicine, with free heath
– Waves of Destruction (6+) – explore how science and emergency response come together to understand & prepare for seismic threats across the region
– CSI: Time Detectives, Uncovering the Past Through Forensic Science (14+) – step into the boots of forensic investigators & solve historial mysteries using forensic science
– Sub_Bar (10+) – a vibration-based sound experience accessible to both deaf and hearing participants, creating a shared sonic and tactile space
– The Science Wheel (6-10) – an interactive performance where the audience helps steer the story through scientific themes
– Light Fantastic! (11-14) – a musical comedy infused with live light experiments, exploring optics and visual perception
– MythoXjenza II: Vicious Vesuvius!I (6-13) – a playful theatre piece mixing myth and science, tracing ancient volcanic eruptions with contemporary insight
There’s also a performance festival at Sala San Duminku, Valletta where atistic interpretations merge with science in theatre, musical, and more, and elsewhere, a dedicated sensory room, a quiet zone for visitors needing a calm, inclusive space.
Get ready to go!
Whether you arrive for the street show or the immersive theatre, Science in the City 2025: Past Forward is designed to surprise, educate and delight. Register your attendance, book your performance tickets early, and bring someone who’s curious too − you’ll leave seeing the past and future with fresh eyes.
For full programme details, booking links and updates, head to scienceinthecity.org.mt and follow them on Instagram.
