Malta’s Museum Displays: From Haphazard to High-Tech

Unveiling Malta’s Past: A Journey Through Early Museum Displays

Tucked away in the heart of Valletta, on the bustling Republic Street, stands the National Museum of Archaeology. This unassuming building, once a 16th-century auberge, houses a treasure trove of Malta’s prehistoric past. But have you ever wondered what the museum displays looked like in their early days? Let’s step back in time and explore.

Early Days: A Haphazard Collection

In the late 19th century, Malta’s archaeological finds were scattered across various institutions. The Royal Naval Library, now the National Library, and the Royal Naval Hospital, now the Mediterranean Conference Centre, were among the makeshift homes of these artifacts. The collection was haphazard, with no clear curation or display.

It was only in 1958 that the first dedicated museum, the Malta Museum, was established in the former Sacra Infermeria in Valletta. The exhibits were a mix of prehistoric artifacts, Roman and medieval finds, and even natural history specimens. The displays were simple, often just a glass case and a label, but they marked the beginning of a more organized approach to preserving Malta’s heritage.

Growing Pains: The Move to Floriana

In 1974, the museum moved to its current location in the former Auberge d’Italie. The shift was necessary due to space constraints, but it also allowed for a more focused display of Malta’s prehistoric past. The new museum was named the National Museum of Archaeology, reflecting its specialized collection.

The early displays here were a significant improvement. Artifacts were grouped thematically, with each period – from the Neolithic to the Roman – getting its own section. But the displays were still quite basic, with artifacts often displayed on simple plinths or in glass cases, and minimal interpretative material.

One of the most striking early exhibits was the ‘Sleeping Lady’ statue, found in the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo. This iconic artifact, dating back to around 5000 BC, was a testament to the sophistication of Malta’s prehistoric inhabitants. Despite the simple display, the ‘Sleeping Lady’ drew visitors from across the globe, offering a glimpse into Malta’s ancient past.

Evolving Displays: The Present and Beyond

Over the years, the museum’s displays have evolved significantly. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and immersive environments now bring Malta’s prehistoric past to life. The ‘Megalithic Malta’ exhibition, opened in 2016, is a prime example of this. It features life-sized reconstructions of Ġgantija’s temples and interactive touchscreens that look Malta’s prehistoric culture.

Yet, amidst these modern displays, remnants of the past remain. The simple glass cases and basic labels of the early days can still be found, offering a glimpse into the museum’s history. They serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come in preserving and presenting Malta’s archaeological heritage.

As we look to the future, plans are afoot to further enhance the museum’s displays. A new exhibition, ‘The Prehistoric Period: Malta’s Megalithic Legacy’, is set to open in 2023. This will feature cutting-edge technology and innovative design, promising an even more immersive experience for visitors.

So, the next time you find yourself in Valletta, take a step back in time. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology and explore the evolving story of Malta’s prehistoric past. And who knows, you might just spot a remnant of the early displays that started it all.