A Treasure Trove Of Antique Artefacts Donated to Heritage Malta by local collector Paul Zammit

A generous collection of historical artefacts has been donated by local collector Paul Zammit to Heritage Malta, to be displayed at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. This is one of the biggest and best donations that the national collection has ever received since the establishment of the Committee for the Administration of the Museum in 1903.

Mr Zammit made this donation both to leave a legacy in his name and to honour the memory of his late parents, Pio Eucharistico and Emmanuela Zammit.

The donated collection includes exquisite artefacts from the 16th to the 18th century, ranging from intricately crafted furniture, paintings, chandeliers and tapestries to damasks. Among the highlights are a very rare set of two cabinets and a bureau, an armoire of the Great Siege period, and two 17th-century tapestries featuring biblical scenes. The latter have been transported to the De Wit Royal Manufacturers in Belgium, to undergo conservation works alongside the Palace tapestries that started to be treated last year.  

Most of the donated items, which Mr Zammit meticulously collected and curated throughout the years, originate from Malta. However, there are also Italian, French, and British pieces. The donated collection will be displayed in seven different spaces within the Palace, enriching the national collection and enhancing the visitor’s experience.

Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts, and the Local Government, said that throughout 2024, 132 donations were registered with Heritage Malta, together amounting to thousands of artefacts and natural specimens, ranging from insect collections to clothes, documents, tools and artistic objects.

“These contributions enrich our cultural heritage and strengthen research and exhibitions. Donations of items of historical, cultural, archaeological, natural, ethnographic or artistic value, are conserved to the highest standards, ensuring they live on to tell their tale to future generations. Such contributions expand the scope for the study and interpretation of our past, shedding light on new and previously unexplored facets of our heritage.” commented Minister Bonnici.

Mario Cutajar, Chairperson of Heritage Malta, stated: “Our heritage can also be found beyond museum walls. Private collections, meticulously and lovingly assembled by passionate individuals, can also be woven in the recounting of our history. Heritage Malta is the natural home for these collections, to ensure that they are properly appreciated and studied and that they reach new audiences.  Donations such as this one enrich and strengthen the national collection, through which we can better recognise ourselves.”

Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed his gratitude for this generous contribution: “We are deeply thankful to Mr Zammit for his invaluable donation. Such donations fill Heritage Malta with new energy – not only because they are strong displays of trust in the agency’s work, but also because they aid it greatly in fulfilling its mission of preserving and conserving our national heritage and making it accessible. A mission Heritage Malta cannot achieve in isolation.”

Paul Zammit described how, “Donating these artefacts to the Grand Master’s Palace felt like a natural route to take. In this national historical building, they can continue to fascinate and inspire visitors and researchers for years to come, and hopefully motivate others to do the same.” While not all artefacts can be accepted by the agency, we encourage anyone considering a donation to reach out to us with further details.

For more information on how to donate, visit: https://patronage.heritagemalta.mt/leave-a-legacy/