The country of Malta has a long history of art, architecture and politics. When you visit, there are many great ways to explore that history. In the city of Valletta, two of the places to definitely see are The Grand Master’s Palace and MUŻA—The National Community Art Museum.
The Grand Master’s Palace
The Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, known as the Knights Hospitaller, rose to prominence in the 12th century CE, during the last Christian Crusade,. They were tasked with the “care and defense of the Holy Land” and were based in Jerusalem until 1291, when Islamic forces reconquered the city. In 1533, Pope Clement VII and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, reached an agreement to cede the island of Malta to the Knights Hospitaller. In return, Charles V received a Maltese falcon every year.
In the middle of the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign to take control of Malta, and laid siege to the island. Called The Great Siege of 1565, it represented the last great attempt at expansion into Europe by the Ottomans. After the battle, the Knights decided to build a fortified city on the Sciberras Peninsula. Jean de Vallette, the Grand Master of the Knights, hired Francesco Laparelli, and Italian architect, to design this new city.
In 1574 several existing buildings were combined to create a palace for the Grand Master, and to be home to the government of Malta. Over the centuries the palace was given several renovations and expansions. In 1803, when England took control of the island, the palace became to Governor’s Residence and office. In 1964, Malta achieved independence from the British Empire, and the palace was designated as the office of the President of Malta and of its Parliament. Today it is still the working address for the President, but Parliament moved to its new home, near the city gate, in 2015.
The Grand Master’s Palace serves as a historical museum. It houses a large collection of the arms and armor used by the Knights Hospitaller over the centuries. In addition, many of the rooms have been restored to the way they looked either during the British era, or during the rule of the Knights.
MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum
Prior to 1974, the National Museum of Malta contained both an archeological and a fine arts collection. The collections were divided into the National Museum of Archeology and the National Museum of Fine Arts. In 2018, the Museum of Fine Arts moved into the Auberge d’Italie, the former headquarters of the Italian branch of the Knights. It was given the name MUŻA, an acronym of its Maltese name Mużew Nazzjonali tai-Arti.
MUŻA contains a wonderful collection of art for such a small country. While it spans over 2000 years, the collection concentrates on works from the 15-17th centuries and from the 20th century. It is definitely worth a visit when you come to the island.
Nuts and Bolts
- Grand Master’s Palace is open every day from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
The Entrance fee is €12 adults / €10 youth and seniors / €8 children - MUŻA is open every day from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance fee is €10 Adults / €7.50 youth and seniors / €5.50 children - Malta Heritage also sells a Valletta Combination pass that includes entrance to the Grand Master’s Palace, MUŻA, St. Elmo Fort, Museum of Architecture, and the Fortress Builders Experience. Prices range from €15-30.
