H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, the President of Malta, made an official visit to the Malta Biennale yesterday, specifically to the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta and the Birgu Old Armoury in Vittoriosa.
For the second edition running, the President of Malta has given her patronage to the contemporary art platform, which runs till May 29 in 11 Heritage Malta historical sites and museums across Malta and Gozo.
As she was touring the exhibitions, the President of Malta referred to the art installations forming part of the Biennale both as a cultural experience for Maltese and tourists to appreciate, while visiting historical sites around the Maltese Islands, but also as an opportunity that gives a voice to artists, through their creations.
During her visit at the Birgu Old Armoury, Her Excellency spent time with residents of the Corradino Correctional Facility who are exhibiting sculptures. They had the opportunity to explain their works of art, which reflect their thoughts and vision nurtured through their experience of life.
H.E. the President was accompanied by the President of Malta Biennale 2026 and Chairman of Heritage Malta, Mario Cutajar, together with the members of the core team. During the visit, the President was given an overview of the artists participating in this year’s edition, together with an explanation of how the selected works dialogue with the extant collections and with the history of the place, thereby bridging the past and the present, and connecting cultural heritage with contemporary art.
There are over 130 artists participating in the Malta Biennale 2026 through the international exhibition that unfolds across nine Heritage Malta sites – curated by Artistic Director Rosa Martínez – and through the national and thematic pavilions which can be experienced at Fort St Elmo, Birgu Old Armoury and MUŻA.
The exhibitions are accompanied by a strong public programme, which includes a series of satellite events that activate this year’s Biennale sites and locations further, by engaging with myriad and diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The full schedule of exhibitions, participating artists, pavilions, events in the public programme and satellite events can be accessed via maltabiennale.art. Tickets for the Biennale are also available via the website, from where visitors can also download the official guidebook for free, in order to aid and enhance their visit.
The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta in partnership with Arts Council Malta, Visit Malta, the Valletta Cultural Agency, and Public Broadcasting Services. The Malta Biennale is also being held in full collaboration with the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
The Malta Biennale is online: www.maltabiennale.art
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