The Maltese Islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino – are home to an impressive network of museums that showcase thousands of years of history, art, faith, warfare, daily life and natural heritage. From UNESCO-listed prehistoric temples and national museums in Valletta and Mdina to intimate village museums in Gozo, visitors can explore every layer of Maltese culture through carefully curated collections and historic buildings.
The Museum Landscape of Malta & Gozo
Museums in the Maltese Islands range from large, state-run institutions to small, privately managed collections and church museums. Many of the most significant sites are administered by Heritage Malta, the national agency responsible for museums and cultural sites, while others are maintained by religious orders, local councils, non-governmental organisations and private families.
Together, they form a network that covers:
- Prehistory and archaeology – from temple-age artefacts to Roman villas
- Art and sculpture – including national art collections and religious masterpieces
- Military and wartime history – fortifications, tunnels and Second World War museums
- Maritime heritage – reflecting Malta’s role at the crossroads of the Mediterranean
- Natural history and science – geology, fossils, wildlife and ecosystems
- Folklore and traditional life – rural tools, domestic interiors and craft traditions
National & Heritage Malta Museums
Many of the most important museums are part of the official national museum network and are based in historic palaces, forts and landmark buildings.
Valletta & the Grand Harbour Area
In the capital, Valletta, and around the Grand Harbour, visitors will find several flagship museums:
- National Museum of Archaeology – prehistoric artefacts, including sculptures from the temple period.
- MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum – Malta’s national art collection, housed in a historic Auberge.
- National War Museum at Fort St Elmo – Malta’s military story, with a strong focus on the Second World War.
- Malta Maritime Museum – at Birgu, highlighting Malta’s long naval and seafaring history.
- Palace Armoury and State Rooms – collections of arms, armour and state treasures linked to the Knights of St John.
Mdina, Rabat & the North
The former capital Mdina and the surrounding area are also rich in museums:
- National Museum of Natural History – in Palazzo Vilhena, with displays on Maltese ecosystems, fossils and wildlife.
- Domvs Romana – remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and domestic artefacts.
- Wignacourt Museum – The Wignacourt Museum forms part of a Pauline complex and is physically connected to St Paul’s Grotto. Beneath the building is a “labyrinth” of older underground spaces and later shelter construction:
- St Paul’s Catacombs – an extensive underground early Christian burial complex with an associated visitor centre.
Museums in Gozo
Gozo offers a compact cluster of museums within the Cittadella in Victoria (Rabat), as well as important sites elsewhere on the island.
Cittadella Museums
- Gozo Museum of Archaeology – tracing the island’s history from prehistory to the early modern period.
- Old Prison – historic cells and extensive prisoner graffiti from the time of the Knights and later.
- Gozo Nature Museum – geology, fossils, flora, fauna and natural history of Gozo.
- Gran Castello Historic House – a folklore museum dedicated to traditional Gozitan life and crafts.
- Cathedral Museum – sacred art, silver and vestments from the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Other Gozo Museums & Sites
- Ġgantija Archaeological Park – megalithic temples and an interpretation centre.
- Ta’ Kola Windmill – a restored 18th–19th century windmill furnished as a traditional workshop and home.
- Heart of Gozo – Il-Ħaġar Museum – a church-run museum in Victoria with religious art and heritage displays.
- Local folklore and specialised museums – smaller collections in villages such as Għarb and Qala that focus on rural life, crafts and local history.
Specialist & Themed Museums
Across the islands, several museums focus on particular themes and specialist interests.
Aviation, Transport & Technology
- Malta Aviation Museum – at Ta’ Qali, preserving aircraft and aviation artefacts, particularly from the Second World War and the post-war period.
- Malta Classic Car Museum – at Qawra, with a large collection of vintage and classic vehicles.
Wartime & Underground Sites
- Lascaris War Rooms – underground operations rooms used during the Second World War and the Cold War.
- Malta at War Museum – in Birgu, with air-raid shelters, wartime exhibits and interactive displays.
Palaces, Houses & Church Museums
- Casa Rocca Piccola – a lived-in noble townhouse in Valletta, with guided tours of furnished rooms and shelters.
- Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum – in Mdina, with collections of art, antiques and historic furnishings.
- Cathedral and parish museums – including the Mdina Cathedral Museum and other church-run collections of sacred art and archives.
Planning a Museum Visit in the Maltese Islands
Many major museums and archaeological sites are operated by Heritage Malta and can be visited with standard single-entry tickets or combined passes. On Gozo, special combo tickets often include access to Ġgantija, Ta’ Kola Windmill and the main Cittadella museums. Private and church museums set their own opening times and admission fees, which may vary by season.
- Check the latest opening hours, especially in summer and on public holidays.
- Consider combined or multi-site tickets if you plan to visit several museums.
- Allow extra time for museums housed in historic buildings with multiple levels.
- Many sites offer multilingual panels; guided tours can add additional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate tickets for each museum?
National and Heritage Malta museums generally require individual tickets, but several combined passes are available, especially for Valletta sites and the Gozo museum cluster. Private and church museums typically have their own independent admission fees.
Which are the must-see museums in Malta?
First-time visitors usually prioritise the National Museum of Archaeology, MUŻA, the National War Museum, key temple sites with interpretation centres, and at least one house museum or palace such as Casa Rocca Piccola or Palazzo Falson.
Which museums are recommended in Gozo?
In Gozo, many visitors focus on the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Old Prison, the Gozo Nature Museum, Gran Castello Historic House, the Cathedral Museum, Ġgantija Archaeological Park and Ta’ Kola Windmill.
Are the museums suitable for children?
Yes. Many museums have family-friendly displays, interactive exhibits and outdoor elements. Wartime tunnels, temples, windmills and house museums often appeal particularly to younger visitors.
Can I take photos inside the museums?
Photography rules vary by museum. Flash photography is often restricted, especially around artworks and sensitive artefacts. Visitors should follow posted signs and staff guidance at each site.