Caravaggio Wing in Valletta Wins UK Museum Award
Caravaggio’s Masterpiece in Valletta Takes Centre Stage in UK
Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the Baroque grandeur of St John’s Co-Cathedral. Now picture one of its most iconic artworks, Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, being recognised across the pond. That’s exactly what happened when the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral was awarded the ‘Best Permanent Exhibition’ at the Museums + Heritage Awards in London.
From Valletta to London: A Night of Recognition
The Museums + Heritage Awards, held annually in London, celebrate excellence in the museum and heritage sector. This year, the Caravaggio Wing at St John’s Co-Cathedral, nestled in the heart of our capital city, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Permanent Exhibition’ award. The wing, which houses Caravaggio’s masterpiece, was praised for its innovative and immersive visitor experience.
Dr. Kenneth Cassar, Director of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of Malta. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team,” he said. “It’s not just about the art; it’s about the experience we create for visitors.”
Caravaggio in Malta: A Local Treasure
The Caravaggio Wing is a gem in Malta’s cultural crown. The ‘Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ is one of only two paintings by Caravaggio in Malta, the other being ‘Saint Jerome Writing’ at the Oratory of Saint Philip in the Grandmaster’s Palace. The wing’s immersive experience, complete with multimedia guides and interactive displays, brings Caravaggio’s work to life for visitors.
Local art enthusiast, Maria Grech, shares her enthusiasm, “I’ve been to the Caravaggio Wing countless times, and it never fails to amaze me. It’s not just about seeing the painting; it’s about understanding the story behind it, the techniques Caravaggio used, and the impact it had on art history.”
: Malta on the Global Stage
The award is a significant achievement for Malta’s cultural scene. It puts our small island nation on the global stage, recognising our commitment to preserving and showcasing our rich artistic heritage. As we look to the future, let’s continue to celebrate and support our local cultural institutions. After all, they’re not just places to visit; they’re stories of our past, present, and future.
Dr. Cassar sums it up perfectly, “This award is a vote of confidence in what we’re doing. It’s a challenge to keep improving, to keep telling our story, and to keep inspiring visitors from around the world.”
