Nine New Halls Open at Grand Master's Palace in Valletta
Visitors to the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta can now explore nine newly restored halls that have never before been accessible to the public. The inauguration of these state rooms marks a significant enhancement to the visitor experience at Heritage Malta’s most visited site.
An official ceremony held at the Piano Nobile of the Palace celebrated the opening of these historic spaces, which have undergone meticulous restoration. The project included extensive work on ornate wooden ceilings, frescoes, paintings, damask and painted wall coverings, as well as marble and flagstone flooring.
These rooms, once part of the Grand Master’s summer apartment, include the Drawing Room, the Study, the Bedroom, and the Chapel. Also opened are the Cabinetto di Curiosità, the Conventual Chaplain’s Room, and the Treasury Office, along with three additional halls now hosting thematic exhibitions on pivotal periods in the Palace’s history: the French period, the Order of St Michael and St George, and the Maltese Parliament, which convened in this building until recent years.
Many of these newly accessible rooms now house furniture and artefacts dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, generously donated earlier this year by local collector Mr Paul Zammit in memory of his parents. This donation ranks among the most significant contributions to the national collection since the establishment of the Museum’s Administration Committee in 1903.
The Grand Master’s Palace reopened to the public in January 2024 following the completion of the first phase of an extensive restoration project. With a total investment exceeding €40 million, the project is being funded by the Government of Malta, with €18 million co-financed through the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund.
Speaking at the inauguration, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, expressed gratitude to all those involved in making these rooms accessible. She commended Mr Zammit’s donation as an invaluable contribution to Malta’s cultural legacy and encouraged other collectors to follow his example by donating items such as paintings, furniture, manuscripts, and rare publications that could enrich the National Archives and Library.
Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the substantial investment in Malta’s cultural heritage, which he described as integral to the nation’s identity. He underscored that such investments are made possible through both national and European funding. Dr Abela also noted the popularity of Heritage Malta’s passport scheme, which enabled over 50,000 children and elderly individuals to visit historical sites last year — an increase of 7,000 from the previous year. He also extended the government’s thanks to Mr Zammit for his generous donation.
Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, described the Palace as a jewel in Valletta’s heart. He emphasised that the restoration not only opened the Palace’s doors but also significantly enhanced the visitor experience. “From the time of the Knights to modern Malta, this Palace is central to our identity,” said Dr Bonnici. “With an investment of €40 million, we have restored its dignity, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy it as never before.”
Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme, reiterated the importance of strategically utilising European funds to preserve national heritage. He noted that this project exemplifies how such funds can enrich cultural identity while offering high-quality experiences to both residents and visitors.
Heritage Malta Chairman Mr Mario Cutajar emphasised that the Palace represents far more than historical authority — it embodies the nation’s history since the Great Siege. “Every investment in this site is an investment in our collective memory,” he said. “Our role is to contextualise these spaces and connect their legacy to the people who have gathered outside its walls across the centuries.”
Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Malta, Mr Noel Zammit, remarked that significant efforts have been made in recent years to return artefacts to the Palace. Some of these items had even been sold centuries ago. He noted that these ongoing efforts have yielded measurable success, with the Grand Master’s Palace now topping the list of Heritage Malta’s most visited sites and continuing to attract increasing numbers of visitors.
