National Museum of Fine Arts

The National Museum of Fine Arts presents a multifaceted overview of art and artistic expression in Malta from the late medieval period to the contemporary. It is set in a complimenting historic building that served as a residence to successive knights of the Order of St. John. It also hosted high-ranking personalities both as residents and guests. These include Lord Mountbatten of Burma, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George V and Queen Elizabeth of England. The palace was officially inaugurated as the National Museum of Fine Arts in 1974 and has since then been Malta's most important museum for the arts. The architecture of the building is an important example of the mid-eighteenth century late baroque style in Malta boasting one of the finest main staircases to be seen on the island.

Museum highlights from the collection on display include paintings by leading local and internationally acclaimed artists, precious Maltese silverware, statuary in marble bronze and wood, fine furniture items and splendid maiolica pieces. A conspicuous number of works originally belonged to the Order of the Knights of St John and come from the Magisterial Palace, the various Auberges in which the knights took up residence, churches belonging to the Order, and the other places falling directly under the administration of the Order. To this original nucleus were added important acquisitions affected through the local and international market, bequests by public spirited individuals and donations.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is located at the lower end of South street (Valletta) within an area including other fine historical palaces dating from the times of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The area is also well known for its wine bars and cafes and offers little-known breathtaking views of the city's grid-shaped streets which visitors usually explore on their way to the museum.

Tickets

Adults (18 - 59 years): €5.00

Students, Senior Citizens and Children (12 - 17 years): €3.50

Children (6 -11 years): €2.50

Infants (1 -5 years): Free