The Maltese islands have been a source of great inspiration to artists. The great Caravaggio himself created some of his best masterpieces while living in Malta. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the word “art” in Maltese translates into “land”.

This land of sun, sea and history is still inspiring artists today. There are many art galleries scattered around the Maltese islands - spaces dedicated to putting a spotlight on the talent of artists - past and present. Here are some of the galleries worth visiting. While this is not a comprehensive list, it’s a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about the subject. 

Valletta Contemporary

Located at the lower east end of Valletta, Valletta Contemporary is an innovative project dedicated to the appreciation of contemporary art.

The gallery runs regular outreach programmes, as well as diverse educational and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving both practicing artists as well as the local community. The space is a hub for the exhibition of art, and is also used for educational purposes.

MUŻA

MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, is located at Auberge d’Italie, a historic site in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta - where the first Malta Museum was established in 1924. MUŻA seeks to promote greater participation by the community through a story-based display narrative.

The word “Muża” is an acronym which stands for Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Arti (National Museum of Fine Arts). “Muża” is also the Maltese word for “inspiration”. 

Blitz 

Blitz was founded in June 2013 as a grassroots, artist-run contemporary arts space. It is an independent, not-for-profit, project space which supports experimental and radical arts practice in all its forms.

Blitz is a space to develop ideas, build relationships and nurture creative talent. It operates within a four-level, 400-year-old Valletta townhouse, which has been repurposed into a site for residencies, exhibitions and education, and a social space for the creative and the curious.

Spazju Kreattiv

Spazju Kreattiv, Malta’s national centre for creativity at St James Cavalier in Valletta, was set up in 2000. It is run by Fondazzjoni Kreattività, that strives to stimulate the exchange of ideas, build cultural identity and reach out to the community with a boundary-testing programme of exhibitions and projects. The space is also used to host workshops, events and discussions.

Bejta Artisan at the Ta’ Nikol Gallery 

Tucked away in the heart of the old town of Victoria, Gozo, you will find Bejta Artisan housed at the Ta’ Nikol Gallery. This small artisan gallery houses over 20 different local artists and crafters’ work in a uniquely quaint space. Everything you’ll find there has been handmade in Gozo and is a one-off piece of work.

Victor Pasmore Gallery 

The Victor Pasmore Gallery pays tribute to the works of British revolutionary artist Victor Pasmore (1908-1998). Though not all produced in Malta, the works on display are largely representative of Pasmore’s artistic practice following his move to the island in 1966.

In 2015, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti took over the management of the gallery with the aim of bringing to light the Maltese modern art movement of the 20th century. The gallery is housed in what was originally known as the polverista, or gunpowder magazine, built during the construction of the outer fortification walls of Valletta in the 1640s.

The Mill

Opened in 1990, The Mill – Art, Culture and Crafts Centre was founded by Gabriel and Mary Rose Caruana. Located in Birkirkara, the aim was to have an independent artist-run contemporary cultural centre. Today the gallery holds a permanent exhibition of Gabriel Caruana's works, as well as other Maltese and international artists.

Numerous cultural activities have been held in The Mill since it opened, including exhibitions, book launches, poetry sessions, and school visits. It is housed in an old windmill known as Il-Mitħna tal-Maħlut that was built in 1724.

There you have it! Some of the galleries in Malta and Gozo where you can feast your eyes on the works of local and foreign artists. Let them inspire you to nurture your talent.
Visit one of the art schools listed on Yellow, where you can also get hold of all the art material and supplies you’ll need to start building your own collection… and maybe, some day, you’ll get to display your work in one of these galleries.

Discover art while discovering local - www.yellow.com.mt.