Showcasing contemporary art in conversation with the island’s history.

Enjoy an immersive journey through the historical venues that form part of this year’s biennial programme

WORDS BY RAMONA DEPARES

 

An immersive experience in art is an effortless endeavour when visiting Malta. Even the most casual of strolls down the streets of the capital will bring us face to face with ornate palazzi and old churches, the baroque architecture creating a striking contrast with more modern installations showcased by the museums. This month, however, brings with it an additional gift, exhibitions, works and pavilions as part of the Malta Biennale 2026, transforming a series of 11 historical sites across Valletta and Vittoriosa in Malta, and Xagħra and Victoria in Gozo, into an intriguing conversation with the present. The beauty of this Biennale’s experience is that it speaks to everyone, rather than to a select group of contemporary art lovers. The theme – CLEAN | CLEAR | CUT – was conceived to address some of the most pressing issues centred around environmental, ethical and aesthetic pollution that we face today; issues we all care about, talk about and hope to find a resolution for.

While the Malta Biennale 2026 doesn’t purport to offer solutions, it does provide an excellent springboard for conversation, highlighting how contemporary artists are grappling with these concerns through works that provoke reflection, raise questions and invite closer engagement. The conversation starts right within Malta’s capital city. When planning your Valletta itinerary, chances are that cultural landmarks like forts, museums and palaces are already on your radar. Now, the experience is enhanced with the presence of several pavilions and artist exhibitions that add a fresh layer of artistic dialogue to the city’s fabric. Highlights include an exhibition by the iconic Guerrilla Girls, and a walk through the Malta Pavilion’s take on Alice’s Wonderland at MUŻA, as well as a wonderfully visual journey through the Chinese Pavillion and the 12 others at Fort St Elmo.

At the Grand Master’s Palace, make sure you don’t miss out on Maurizio Cattelan’s showcase. The artist, known for his satirical approach to the norms of society, is part of this year’s edition of the Malta Biennale. Also of note is Lumen by Austin Camilleri, who uses his art as a canvas for incisive artistic statements, often leading to wider national discussions that go beyond the world of art. Your Valletta Malta Biennale experience closes with the majesty of the National Museum of Archeology, known for the Sleeping Lady exhibit. Now. it also showcases the works of five contemporary artists juxtaposed against the island’s prehistoric heritage.

The Biennale has likewise transformed visitors’ experience of the Three Cities, with Vittoriosa’s four most renowned landmarks enriched with the works of some of the most notable names in contemporary art. The old city includes many highlights, not least the seven exhibiting artists at Fort St Angelo, five at the Malta Maritime Museum, and another 13 at the Inquisitor’s Palace. The Old Armoury is where you’ll find 13 pavilions, including the winner of the Best Pavilion Award, Redefining. Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives. This is also where you’ll find Floating Fragments, a pavilion created by inmates from Malta’s correctional facility in a historic first for an international biennale. The concept, which originated from the inmates themselves, sees nine artists exploring life as a collection of different episodes, inviting dialogue between the perspectives of people inside the facility and those outside.

Our journey across contemporary art continues on the sister island of Gozo. It’s very likely that you’ll need more than a day trip to take in all the venues and exhibits, so plan ahead for overnight accommodation. The Biennale starts right at the heart of the island, the Ċittadella, with four artist exhibitions. The catalogue includes Concetta Modica’s Fragments of the Sky of Malta: The Journey of a Tomato Sepal to Become a Star, also referred to as Nine Nights of Malta, which was one of the winners of the Best Artwork Award. The megalithic temple complex of Ġgantija is one of the top five historical attractions across the Maltese Islands according to Heritage Malta figures. Throughout the Biennale, it’s likely to enjoy even more visitors thanks to the three artists exhibiting right on site. Here you can view Therese Debono’s Blank, the other co-winner of this year’s Best Artwork Award. Our Gozitan Biennale trail comes to an end at Xagħra’s Ta’ Kola Windmill, one of the few surviving that dates back to the Knights’ period. The 200-year-old structure now hosts the works of five contemporary artists juxtaposed against the original milling tools and the old milling mechanism itself.

Malta Biennale 2026 is on until 29th May. Tickets are available through maltabiennale.art

Malta Biennale heritage trail at a glance

  • Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum: panoramic views of Grand Harbour, impressive fortifications, seven national pavilions, six thematic pavilions and an exhibition by Wilfredo Prieto Garcia.
  • MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum: the majesty of Auberge d’Italie, national art collections, the Maltese pavilion and five artist exhibitions.
  • National Museum of Archeology: artefacts dating back to Malta’s Neolithic phase, the unique Grand Salon, and five artist exhibitions.
  • Grand Master’s Palace: the State Rooms, baroque ceiling paintings, a portrait gallery and 12 artist exhibitions.
  • Birgu Old Armoury: splendid fortifications, vaulted halls and 13 thematic pavilions, including the winner of the Award for Best Pavilion.
  • Malta Maritime Museum: 7,000 years of Malta’s maritime history and five artist exhibitions.
  • Fort St Angelo: history related to the Great Siege and World War II, views across Valletta and seven artist exhibitions.
  • The Inquisitor’s Palace and the National Museum of Ethnography: unique architecture, the inquisitor’s tribunal and torture chamber, the prison complex and 13 artist exhibitions.
  • Gozo’s Ċittadella: imposing military architecture and four artist exhibitions, including the co-winner of the Award for Best Artwork.
  • Ta’ Kola Windmill: a 200-year-old mill with milling equipment and tools, and five artist exhibitions.
  • Ġgantija Archeological Park: a unique prehistoric temple complex dating to 3,600 BC, and three artist exhibitions, including the co-winner of the Award
  • for Best Artwork.rika