Melitensis

The exhibition ‘MELITENSIS’ at the National Museum of Natural History in Mdina explores the use of the Latin adjective ‘melitensis’ – meaning ‘from Malta’ – in scientific nomenclature. The exhibition provides an overview of the history of biological classification, from decentralized systems to the standard established by botanist Carl von Linné.

The display emphasizes the key principles of the Linnaean system, including binomial nomenclature, universality, the rule of priority, and typification. Through specific examples, the exhibition highlights the Maltese connection in various species, from bacteria to plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, in a myriad of fossil and recent forms. Visitors are invited to further explore the rich history of biological nomenclature and its cultural and scientific significance.

This exhibition opens on Saturday, 14th June and runs till Sunday, 6th July 2025. Opening hours are from 09:00 to 17:00, from Tuesday till Sunday (the museum is closed on Mondays). Entrance to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket.