The enthusiasm and interest shown at de Valette's dagger exhibition inspired Heritage Malta, in collaboration with the Louvre Museum, Paris, to extend this prestigious exhibition until 7 September.

de Valette's dagger exhibition exceeded all expectations in terms of visitor numbers, especially local visitors. This is mainly due to the fact that this artefact was returned back to Malta for the first time since 1798.

This exhibition, which is another hallmark in the series of high standard exhibitions organised by the national agency, forms part of the events marking Malta's 2017 EU Presidency and Valletta as Capital City of Culture in 2018.

The exhibition is divided in three sections, with the main part focusing solely on the dagger. Complementing the dagger there is also the sword, which along with the dagger, was gifted to Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette after the victory of the Great Siege. Although the sword could not travel without causing permanent damage due to complex conservation, visitors are able to view a 3D model of de Valette's sword suspended in mid-air.

A selected number of other related exhibits from the national collection are featuring in this exhibition while a fully illustrated catalogue has also been published to accompany the display.

de Valette's dagger exhibition is being held at the National Museum of Archaeology until 7 September. The opening hours are 9am to 6pm, last admission at 5.30pm every day. Admission to the exhibition is included in the museum's regular ticket price.

For more information and other events organised by Heritage Malta visit www.heritagemalta.org or follow their official Facebook page.