Middle Sea House, formerly known as Montgomery House opened its doors to the public on Sunday 20th October, as it participated in the event “Genna ta’ Gonna” organised by the Floriana Local Council.

This historic building which was built during Grand Master Vilhena’s reign was originally a market for Floriana, the new suburb of Valletta.

Montgomery House was used as administrative offices for the control of grain by Alexander Ball and in 1826 it was converted to barracks for army officers. The building served as the place where General Montgomery planned the invasion of Sicily during World War II, and it was also the site where Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt met before a meeting with Stalin. The building was damaged during the war when it was bombed in May 1941.

After the war this building became the Command Pay office for the Malta Garrison.

The building has been Middlesea Insurance’s headquarters since 1982.