Opening of the Statues Expo 2026

Imagine this: Republic Street, Valletta, in eight years’ time, transformed into an open-air gallery. Statues of Malta’s heroes, legends, and cultural icons lining the historic street, each telling a story, each a masterpiece. This isn’t a dream, but the vision of the upcoming Statues Expo 2026, set to turn Malta’s capital into a global arts destination.

The brainchild of local artist and activist, Mark Mallia, the Statues Expo 2026 aims to celebrate Malta’s rich history and culture through public art. “We want to create a living, breathing museum that tells our story,” Mallia explains. “A story that’s not just about our past, but also our present and our future.”

Mallia’s vision has gained traction, with the government pledging support and international artists expressing interest. The Expo, set to open in 2026, will see Republic Street closed to traffic for six months, allowing artists to install their works and visitors to explore at leisure.

So, what can we expect from the Statues Expo 2026? Mallia hints at a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with each statue telling a unique story. “We’re looking at everything from classical marble sculptures to interactive digital installations,” he says. “The only rule is that each piece must reflect some aspect of Maltese culture or history.”

Some confirmed projects include a life-sized bronze statue of Malta’s first president, Antonia White, by local sculptor Joe Borg, and an interactive light installation by Dutch artist Maurits van der Sluis, exploring Malta’s maritime history.

The Expo promises to bring more than just art to Malta’s streets. It’s expected to boost tourism, with visitors flocking to see the temporary installations. Local businesses are already preparing, with hotels in Valletta reporting increased bookings for 2026.

But the Expo’s impact will be felt beyond tourism. It’s also seen as a catalyst for urban regeneration, with plans to improve Republic Street’s infrastructure and public spaces. “The Expo gives us an opportunity to reimagine our city centre,” says Valletta mayor Alexei Dingli. “We want to create a space that’s not just beautiful, but also functional and inclusive.”

the Expo is set to leave a lasting legacy. After the Expo ends, some statues will be moved to other public spaces around Malta, while others will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to local arts charities.

—METADATA—

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