Deep in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a country rich with history and culture. The islands feature a wealth of both galleries and archaeological sites, offering something special to lovers of both contemporary and traditional art. Its rich history as a crossroads of empires means that its works of art are as varied and powerful as the ancient ruins that dot the landscape.
Literally as soon as you jump into your Malta airport transfer and fling down your bags on your hotel bed you can be in a gallery. Many are based in Valletta, the capital city, and are easily reachable from your accommodation. They offer an alternative to the tourist-crowded beaches and prehistoric sites. The art itself comes from all over, with smatterings of both international and home-grown talent.
St James Cavalier
St James Cavalier in Valletta was opened in a renovated 16th-century fort as a government Millennium Project designed to support the burgeoning Maltese art scene. It has since welcomed more than 1 million visitors and regularly hosts operas and theatre premiers, not to mention major local exhibitions. There’s also an on-site cinema and chamber music room, which visitors may want to explore to stimulate all their senses.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is located in an 18th-century Valletta palace originally built to be a residence for the Knights of Malta, who were crucial to the country’s history. The museum was established in 1974 and now hosts an immense collection of classic, decorative and contemporary art, including impressive sculpture and Italian Maiolica pottery from the Renaissance. Maltese artists who have exhibited at the gallery include stamp designer Emvin Cremona, whose 2010 exhibition featured original motifs. In past years, it’s welcomed distinguishes visitors such as Queen Elizabeth.
SO Galerie
SO Galerie is a more recent addition to Malta’s booming gallery scene, located outside of Valletta in the town of Iklin. It aims to host the best of the international art world and to use the income to invest in and provide opportunities for local practitioners. Among the Maltese artists on prominent display are photographer David Pisani and Liliana Fleri Soler, a sculptor and painter. The collection features a wide array of methods and techniques. Visitors shouldn’t miss the popular events regularly hosted by the gallery, including charity auctions and workshops.
BLITZ
This non-profit arts space supports even the most experimental artists and is a true treat for fans of unconventional approaches. This four-storey gallery in a four-centuries-old Valletta townhouse houses a community made up of artists and patrons who support some of the most creative efforts on the islands.
How to Get There
Valletta is just a short drive away from the airport, which can be reached within a few hours from the UK. Book a Malta airport transfer to avoid the traffic and hit the ground running. With so many galleries to visit, art-loving tourists won’t want to miss a thing.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Malta airport transfer service Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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