Grand Master’s Palace Open Day

On Sunday 11th December, Heritage Malta will be giving the public a unique opportunity to enter the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta and visit halls that were never accessible to the public before.

The palace has been closed for several months, for the implementation of the most extensive restoration project ever embarked upon by Heritage Malta. The ongoing project will cost approximately €30 million, of which €10 million are co-financed by the European Union as part of the European Regional Development Fund. Phases of the project are expected to start being opened to the public in the first half of next year, while the entire project should be completed by 2025.

The 11th December Open Day will provide the final opportunity for the public to visit the Grand Master’s Palace and see ongoing works, before the palace starts receiving visitors regularly once more. The public will be able to follow the restoration project in its various phases, by visiting halls where works are still being carried out, areas where works are yet to commence, and rooms where restoration has been completed.

Spaces that will be accessible to the public for the first time ever during the Open Day include the newly restored State Rooms, the roof (weather permitting), and the halls that serve as the offices of the President.

Visitors are welcome to explore the palace on their own or else take a guided tour briefing them about the palace, ongoing restoration works and discoveries made along the project. Tours will start every hour, from 9.30am onwards. Last admissions will be at 4.30pm.

Members of the Malta Historical Fencing Association will be giving displays throughout the day, while the Compagnia San Michele will provide historical re-enactments.

Admission to the Grand Master’s Palace during the Open Day will be free of charge but donations towards the Malta Community Chest Fund will be welcome. Heritage Malta publications will be on sale as well.