What to do and see in Island of Malta, Malta: The Best Museums

July 1, 2021 Agatha Simes

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.
Restaurants in Island of Malta

1. Fort Rinella

St.Rocco Road, Kalkara, Island of Malta CSP11 Malta +356 7987 4153 [email protected] http://www.fortrinella.com/
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5.0 based on 1,415 reviews

Fort Rinella

Fort Rinella in Kalkara,was built in 1878. This fort is not only a unique remnant of Malta's recent British colonial past, but it is also the world's first mechanical fort which enabled its small garrison to fire a monstrous 100-ton gun every six minutes. To be able to do this, the fort was equipped with a novel steam-driven hydraulic set-up that enabled the gun to traverse and depress and its ammunition to be hoisted and loaded mechanically. On visiting this fort in 1889, the great French writer Jules Verne described it as a marvel of the industrial age which would render Malta safe for ever. Some say that this is the place from where he got the idea of writing his famous novel a 'Voyage to the Moon', where a man is stuffed into a large projectile and fired from a large gun onto the moon!Originally, the 100-ton gun was built by Sir William George Armstrong of Newcastle in 1878, to equip a new class of Italian battleships - the Duilio class. This caused a serious stir between Britain and Italy which led to the former to obtain examples of the same gun to secure Malta and Gibraltar against a potential Italian seaborne attack.The Armstrong 100-ton gun has a calibre of 17.72-Inches (45cm). It is 35 feet long and has an overall weight of 156 tons making it the world's largest muzzle-loading cannon ever built. It used a quarter of a ton of gun powder to propel its monster shells up to a maximum range of eight miles. At that range it could pierce anything up to 21-inches of ship armour! The gun at Fort Rinella and another at Napier of Magdala Battery in Gibraltar are the sole surving examples today. The fort has recently undergone extensive restoration and improvement. A new 20-minute audio-visual outlining the history of the fort and its gun has also been added and is included in all guided tours.RE-Live History at Fort Rinella - Every afternoon from Monday to Saturday!Throughout the year, from Monday to Saturday at 14.00Hrs sharp, Fort Rinella is brought back to life complete with late 19th century Victorian soldiers who will take visitors on an animated tour around the fort. This tour combines excellent guiding with live and colourful historical re-enacting including military signalling, firing of rifles, bayonet practice, military cooking and more. Much use of original period equipment and weapons is made throughout this tour. All this goes to provide an enjoyable and long lasting experience to visitors.

Reviewed By 379jilla

Our family thoroughly enjoyed our time touring this historic site, which we happened upon purely by accident. Free transport to the fort from the saluting battery began our 2 hours exploring this site and learning about its historic cannon from its knowledgeable living history staff, including bayonet demonstrations, guided tours, and drill demonstrations. Finally the opportunity to fire an authentic 1874 martini Henry rifle was a life long dream come true. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience while in Malta. Finally it is easy to return to Valletta from the bus stop located in front of the site.

2. Zabbar Sanctuary Museum

4 Triq Is-Santwarju, Zabbar, Island of Malta ZBR 1013 Malta +356 2182 4383 http://www.facebook.com/muzew.zabbar/
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Zabbar Sanctuary Museum

This parish museum in the village of Zabbar was inaugurated on 5th September 1954. It was the dream of Mons. Giuseppe Zarb to build a place where he could conserve items and show the devotion to the Madonna of Graces trough the times. The Museum was renovated in 2003 by parish priest Fr. Anton Cassar. The museum is run by a team of volunteers and is open every day between 9.00am and 12.00pm. Groups are advised to contact us beforehand as we can even organise a guided tour. Discount for groups of over 25 adult persons apply.

3. Bir Mula Heritage Museum

79 Triq Santa Margerita, Cospicua (Bormla), Island of Malta BML 1370 Malta +356 2182 6910 [email protected] http://www.birmula.com
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Bir Mula Heritage Museum

A private social history museum situated in a mediaeval house. The house is witness to the development of Maltese houses, which from an Arab era farmhouse developed into a 17th century palazzino. The exhibits include various curios from the daily life of past generations and artefacts found on site. The museum holds various indoor, outdoor, cultural and edutainment activities including Ghost Walks of Birgu and/or Bormla.

Reviewed By johannavarley - Kalkara, Malta

Very worthwhile visit to a house which shows how it developed over thousands of years, with a knowledgeable guide in John Vella. Also full of exhibits from many eras. Certainly worth more than one visit and needs to be more widely advertised.

4. Malta Postal Museum

135 Archbishop Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1444 Malta +356 2596 1750 [email protected] http://www.maltapostalmuseum.com
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5.0 based on 238 reviews

Malta Postal Museum

This state of the art building is spread over four floors and is not your typical Postal Museum. It offers a run through of Maltese history from the 15th century. The Museum also boasts of two temporary gallery spaces, a large audio-visual room and merchandising store. The temporary gallery spaces currently offer a collection of photographic prints by Richard Ellis, and what is arguably the finest collection of works by Emvin Cremona, regarded by many as one of the best Maltese artists of the 20th century.

Reviewed By juliasurinova78 - St. Petersburg, Russia

It was an interesting day in the postal museum. It is a paradise for those who collects stamps. There is a huge number of stamps, of different themes and time periods. It is full of photos and screens with movies about historic events in the story of post in Malta. The lady on the reception offered an exciting quest for our kids. They were searching for the secret sing to solve a riddle. It was wonderful. And in the end we made a photo of our family like a stamp. A pleasant souvenir to remember the trip. Thanks a lot to the lady in the museum!

5. Esplora Interactive Science Centre

Villa Bighi Triq Marina, Kalkara, Island of Malta KKR 1320 Malta +356 2360 2300 [email protected] http://www.esplora.org.mt
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5.0 based on 182 reviews

Esplora Interactive Science Centre

Esplora is Malta's only interactive science centre, suited to visitors of all ages and is located in the historical buildings of Villa Bighi, Kalkara enjoying the breathtaking views of Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour. Esplora features 200+ indoor and outdoor interactive science exhibits, a Planetarium theatre hands-on workshops and engaging science shows in a safe and friendly environment enjoying climate controlled conditions. Esplora boasts of a dedicated team of staff who seek to foster curiosity, interest and understanding of science among people of all ages. Visitors are encouraged to explore, think and imagine as they immerse themselves in a positive and exciting interactive experience. • An iconic 4k colorspace Planetarium theatre! • A Historical Exhibition showcasing Life at Bighi • Delicious meals and snacks in our Esplora cafe • A gadget shop • Wheelchair accessible • Resources available for Autism • A minimum of 3 hours is recommended

Reviewed By Rubanzz - Mosta, Malta

A relaxed Sunday full afternoon with wifey and our two young kids aged 6 and 7. Kurt's and Teriz's Human body show was amazing. Well done guys ????

131 Constitution Street, Mosta, Island of Malta MST 9056 Malta +356 2143 3821 [email protected] http://www.jackiemicallef.com
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Jackie's Modern Art Gallery

7. Casa Rocca Piccola

74 Republic Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1117 Malta +356 2122 1499 [email protected] http://www.casaroccapiccola.com/
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4.5 based on 1,508 reviews

Casa Rocca Piccola

If you fancy seeing something a little bit different when visiting Valletta go to Casa Rocca Piccola. Often described as a ‘living museum’ it is the only privately owned palace open to the public in the city. Built over 400 years ago for a Knight of Malta, Don Pietro La Rocca it is now the ancestral home of a Maltese Noble family. On your tour the guides will point out interesting things to see such as an 18th Century golden Sedan Chair. There are literally hundreds of magnificent objects to see including modern paintings interspersed with the ancestral portraits of the Marquises de Piro and the Barons of Budach. You will also see a network of tunnels cut out from the rock under Casa Rocca Piccola which were used as Bomb Shelters in World War 2. Over 100 people sheltered here from the Nazi bombs that poured on Valletta. To finish your tour in the cellars of the house there is a delightful Sicilian restaurant called La Giara.

Reviewed By sharonhW264WM - Las Vegas, United States

This magnificent 16th-century palace of a noble Maltese family is the only privately-owned palazzo open to the public and definitely a “must see.” Owned by the Marquis de Piro, the family lives above the two floors that are open to the public, and they use those floors when tours are not going on. Greeted by a large blue and yellow macaw, we started the tour in the enclosed courtyard/garden, enjoying the fountain and the lovely garden. Upstairs we toured the main floor--sitting rooms, dining rooms (one winter/one summer), bedrooms, a study, and a small chapel. We also toured the basement. Originally a well for the house, it was converted to bomb shelter rooms during WWII—one for the family and two others for the local citizens. (Malta was heavily bombed during WWII since it served as Eisenhower’s headquarters for the invasion of Sicily and Italy.) The furnishings and artwork were magnificent, but unlike many palaces that we have visited which seem cold and sterile, this one gave us a really cozy, lived-in feeling. The tour was wonderful. Not only did we get a feel for the house and the family, but also for the place this house held in the history of Malta.

8. Fort St Elmo - National War Museum

Mediterranean Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1741 Malta +356 2148 1305 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/national-war-museum/
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4.5 based on 2,885 reviews

Fort St Elmo - National War Museum

Visitors at Fort St Elmo can experience the impressive grounds of the fort, including the splendid architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. Among the most notable artefacts inside the museum one finds the military armour of the Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross.

Reviewed By MALTAWEDDINGPHOTO - Malta, null

Malta has a glorious chapter of its very own during WWII. Europe was completely dominated and run over by the axis with the exception of Britain and tiny Malta G.C.This does send a message of the Maltese incredible resilience when it really mattered most! Thisis the museum where one could appreciate the unparalleled bravery of the Maltese, hand in hand with the British and the allies particularly during 1942. There is the Gladiator aircraft on display, left from the famour 'Faith, Hope, and Charity' trio. One can also see the Actual George Cross medal which is the greatest testimony of 'gallantry', bravery and heroism by the Maltese during world war II.

17, Tigne street,, Sliema, Island of Malta SLM 3141 Malta +356 2131 6708 [email protected] http://www.christinexart.com
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4.5 based on 17 reviews

Artitude Gallery

At Christine X Art (Artitude) Gallery, we offer you a choice of some of Malta's best contemporary art pieces. From cityscapes to figural paintings to abstracts.

10. Malta Classic Car Collection Museum

Tourists Street, Qawra, Island of Malta SPB 1020 Malta +356 2157 8885 [email protected] http://www.classiccarsmalta.com
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4.5 based on 1,761 reviews

Malta Classic Car Collection Museum

The Classic Car Collection was the brainchild of obsessive petrol-head Mr. Carol Galea, an avid and self-confessed car enthusiast. He first began customizing and building his own cars for local hill climbing races but his hobby evolved into a full-blown passion for classic cars. This is his personal tribute to the automobile industry – or as he puts it – it’s a ‘living and growing collection that spans more than 50 years of motor manufacturing’ The museum has approximately 100 Vehicles on display ranging from a Jaguars C-Type & E-Type, Alfa Romeos, Fiats, MGs, Mercedes, Chevrolette, Ferrari, Bentley etc. They have all been carefully restored and lovingly preserved. In 2018 the latest very interesting addition was the 'Live Workshop' where one can see real classic cars being restored. There are also a 2 Cinemas and a Motoring Library on site that one can explore.

Reviewed By jpdk - Vejle, Denmark

This Car Museum you will find in Qawra at St. Pauls Bay in Malta. A very nice collection of old cars in perfect condition, more cars inside as you can imagne standing outside the museum. There is rare cars, normal cars old and newer cars, the restoration area is inside the museum giving you a closer look to the work going on with the cars, not only cars here, but lots og juke-boxes, arcade games, pinball machines, model cars and more

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