A celebration of art and history at the Mdina Cathedral and Museum Open Day

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 25, and get ready for a journey through time at the Mdina Cathedral and Museums Open Day! This exciting event grants the public free entrance into the Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul and the Mdina Cathedral Museum. Spend a day in the silent city exploring at your leisure, appreciating art, and taking in the historical marvels.

Visitors will be at liberty to explore every corner and cranny of the Museum and Cathedral, uncovering hidden gems at their own discretion. Those who prefer can even take a guided tour, where knowledgeable guides will lead them on an educational historical excursion. However, the event will have more to offer than arts and history. 

Watch historical reenactors dressed in mediaeval attire bring history to life. Next, you can visit a lively artisan market within the museum itself and take your pick from a myriad of handcrafted goods. Then, enjoy a delicious pick-me-up at the Pop-Up Museum Cafe; Relax in the courtyard with a refreshment in hand and take in the cultural opulence of your surroundings. 

THE MDINA CATHEDRAL MUSEUM

The Mdina Cathedral Museum, which is housed in an architectural masterpiece from the early 18th century, preserves an amazing collection of historical artefacts and artwork. From wonders of the secular world to holy treasures, this baroque gem enthrals with its varied multimedia. Fine art, ornate antique furnishings, and silver treasures occupy every corner of the museum, providing a goldmine for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Discover the paintings galleries on the first level, which feature pieces by master artists from the 1300s to the 1800s. Admire the mastery of “Sacrifice of Isaac” by Mattia Preti, “Still Life with Flowers” by Maximillian Caffi, and other works by Maltese painters such as Francesco Zahra, Stefano Erardi, and Anton Schranz. Then, don’t pass up the amazing Durer Collection, which features a vast collection of copper plates and woodcuts by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528).

Explore “The Small Passion,” a poignant series that depicts the Lord’s suffering and death, and “The Life of the Virgin,” an amazing series that follows the Virgin Mary on her journey. And while you’re there, check out the fourth edition of the APS Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale. Directed by Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, the international exhibition follows the theme of ‘Mediterranean Goddesses’, and thus showcases the significance of the Mediterranean through an exploration of mythological, religious, and spiritual deities. (Read more)

THE METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ST PAUL

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul was built between 1696 and 1705 by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. Located in the centre of Mdina’s main square, it is impossible to miss when visiting the city. The baroque style exudes an indisputable solemnity that astounds all who witness it with its sheer size. Explore the past at this Catholic church. 

Travel back in time and discover the past hidden just below our feet! Attendees will get exclusive access into the Charnel House, also referred to as “Kennerja,” a crypt. On the open day, explore the once-inaccessible areas, such as the main charnel house with its four separate sections. Underneath the Cathedral are three Charnel Houses, two of which are privately owned. Burials of bodies in these unusual locations were discontinued due to health and hygienic concerns. One can enter the main charnel house through hidden stairs in the Chapel of St. Luke.

This Open Day begins at 10 am and concludes at 4 pm. The event is a component of the “Museum Outreach” project, which aims to make cultural heritage accessible to everyone and is co-funded by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. 

Join in on the celebration and honour the depth of Mdina’s cultural legacy on November 25! 

For further information, contact events@metropolitanchapter.com

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