The Grand Master’s Carriage restored and back in place at the Palace

Press Release│ 30 May 2025

Heritage Malta has completed the restoration works on the Grand Master’s carriage, funded by the Eden Leisure Foundation.

The carriage now once again forms part of the visitor’s experience at the Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta.

Over the past few months, the Grand Master’s carriage – a beautiful French Berline-type vehicle from the late 18th century – has been the patient of a dedicated team of conservators at the Grand Master’s Palace.
They addressed signs of degradation in its materials, from wood and iron to fabric and leather, preserving in the process the rich narrative it holds.

Used by the last two Grand Masters of the Knights of Malta, Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc and Ferdinand von Hompesch, but mostly synonymous with the latter, the carriage was originally gilded and includes a green velvet interior.
It has undergone many modifications over the centuries – chief among them is the addition of four oval images containing emblems of the French Revolution, during the brief French rule of the island.

A popular story recounts that the Grand Master had deployed it to transport Napoleon Bonaparte, but the latter refused to use it.

Speaking at the inauguration of the restored carriage, Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government, said: “The carriage is now exhibited permanently, as a source of education and inspiration. This is a clear example of how we can safeguard the past, whilst cherishing our identity as a people.”

Noel Zammit, Chief Executive of Heritage Malta, stated that: “The timely intervention on this fascinating artefact, generously funded by the Eden Leisure Foundation, goes well beyond the tangible. It preserves the story the carriage tells without uttering a word. This is a crucial part of Heritage Malta’s mission – that of conveying every artefact’s story in a way which can be understood by all, so that the journey of the object up till its arrival at Heritage Malta continues to be valued.”

Kate De Cesare, Chairperson of the Eden Leisure Foundation, said that: “The Foundation is proud to have supported the full restoration of the Grand Master’s carriage. Entailing an investment of €120,000, this project reflects our enduring commitment to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage. Through sustained funding and collaboration, we aim to ensure that national treasures like this remain accessible and appreciated by future generations.”

The carriage’s restoration forms part of the larger restoration project of the Grand Master’s Palace, Heritage Malta’s most ambitious conservation project to date, which goes beyond the restoration of the building to also preserve priceless artefacts such as the Grand Master’s carriage, strengthening the Palace’s role as a national symbol of Maltese identity.