Photography exhibition commemorates anniversary of Presidency during open weekend at Grand Master’s Palace

The public will have the opportunity to visit the Grand Master’s Palace on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th April, during an open weekend organised by Heritage Malta to commemorate the fourth anniversary of His Excellency George Vella as President of Malta. In fact, besides the attraction of the palace itself, the open weekend will provide insight into the current Presidency through a photography exhibition held on site.

The exhibition, titled Presidenza b’Differenza (Presidency with a Difference), is based on a phrase from President George Vella’s inaugural address on 4th April 2019: “Mine will be a silent Presidency, an impartial Presidency, that serves as a moral guide for our country and a source of national unity.” The exhibition will take a close glimpse at the work implemented by President George Vella and his office since the start of his term, while celebrating achievements, sharing commitments, commemorating events, and shedding light on some behind-the-scenes moments.

Held at the Uccelliera – a space that was discovered and restored during the current restoration project at the Grand Master’s Palace – the exhibition will be divided in four sections: The Presidency and its Challenges; The Presidency and Identity; The Presidency of Dialogue; and A Presidency that Listens.

The public will also be able to assess the progress made so far in the restoration works at the Grand Master’s Palace, now nearing completion. The palace’s restoration will cost more than €30 million in total, part of which is being co-financed by the European Union as part of the European Fund for Regional Development (around €10 million). The initial phase is expected to be completed this year, with the entire project being ready by 2025.

Besides the Uccelliera, during the open weekend the public will have access to the Piano Nobile corridors as well as several state rooms that have been extensively restored. These spaces served as the winter and summer apartments used by the Grand Masters. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore other spaces on the ground floor, including Casa del Monte (which will become a visitor centre), and the imposing staircase leading to the Armoury. The public will be able to see how restoration works have progressed in the spaces which once served as the palace’s stables and which housed the Armoury’s collection until a few months ago.

Visitors may roam on their own on the signed pathways, or else opt for a guided tour. There will be two tours on Saturday and three tours on Sunday. Saturday’s tours will be in English, starting at 11:00 and 14:00. On Sunday there will be a tour in Maltese at 10:30 and two tours in English at 11:30 and 14:00. No pre-booking is required. Tours will be available on a first come first served basis.

An additional attraction will be provided by In Guardia re-enactors, who will be roaming round the palace in full costume and will be available for photo opportunities.

Admission to the Grand Master’s Palace during the open weekend will be free of charge, but donations in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund will be appreciated. Opening hours will be from 10:00 to 17:00, with last admissions at 16:00. Heritage Malta publications will be available for sale on both days of the event.