Open Day at the Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs and the National Museum of Natural History

Step into the wonders of ancient civilizations and the beauty of the natural world at Heritage Malta’s Open Day on Sunday, April 7th. Join us for a day of discoveries and fun at three extraordinary sites: the Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs, and the National Museum of Natural History, all yours to explore for free.

Start your adventure at the Domvs Romana, where the opulence of ancient Roman aristocracy is still palpable. From family dynamics to culinary delights, delve into the lives of the elite through rare exhibits and insightful interpretation. Here, young ones will be able to join a specifically tailored guided tour in Maltese and complete activity sheets sparking their curious minds.

A stroll away lie St Paul’s Catacombs, whose interconnected passages and tombs usher you into the world of the dead. This fascinating site is, in fact, part of the largest necropolis outside the ancient town of Melite and was in use from the Punic period all the way up to Byzantine times. Explore it by joining the English (11:00) or Maltese (14:00) guided tour. Chris Goa will offer an alternative experience with electronic beats from 10:30 till 14:00. Every child visiting this site on the day will receive a special token of appreciation.

Marvel at the National Museum of Natural History’s vast collections, housed in the stellar location of the 18th-century Vilhena Palace within the fortified city of Mdina. Join an exclusive curator’s tour, offered at 09:00 in English or at 11:00 in Maltese. Delight your ears with live music by Kantera, Ozzy Lino and Lisa Gauci in the museum’s regal courtyard, and let your young ones enjoy themselves in exciting workshops at 13:00 and 16:00. You will also have the opportunity to be the first to get your hands on Heritage Malta’s latest publications! All this whilst discovering the wonders of our planet.

Join us from 09:00 to 17:00 at the Domvs Romana and the National Museum of Natural History, and from 09:00 to 18:00 at St Paul’s Catacombs, with the last admission allowed half an hour before closing time. Admission is free for all, and no pre-booking is required.

Full detailed programme below for your convenience:

Domvs Romana, Rabat (09:00-17:00)

10:00 – Children’s Tour in Maltese

09:00-14:00 – Activity sheets exploring the Roman and Arab periods in Malta will be handed out to all young visitors

St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat (09:00-18:00)

10.30 -14:00 – Music by Chris Goa

11:00 – Guided tour in English

14:00 – Guided tour in Maltese

National Museum of Natural History, Mdina (09:00-17:00)

09:00 – Curator’s tour in English

10:00 – Music by Kantera

11:00 – Curator’s tour in Maltese

12:00 – Music by Ozzy Lino

13:00 – Children’s activity – Colours in Nature & I am in the Museum: Who am I?

14:00 – Music by Lisa Gauci

15:00 – Book launch of ‘The Dark Side of Rabat & Mdina’, ‘The Heritage Malta Official Guide to Domvs Romana’ and ‘Life with Aurelia’

16:00 – Children’s activity – Colours in Nature & I am in the Museum: Who am I?