He said work was proceeding at a steady pace and envisaged that the Palazzo will open its doors to the first visitors at the end of next year.
Addressing those present at the presentation ceremony at Palazzo Falson, BOV chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra reiterated BOV’s commitment to supporting initiatives directly linked to the preservation and safeguarding of Malta’s heritage. “We are extremely proud to be associated with this project that will see one of the most historically significant premises in Malta restored to its former glory and open for public viewing and appreciation,” he said.
“Moreover, the relevance of this project is further enhanced when one considers that this project will ultimately contribute toward an increased historical prestige of Mdina,” he said.
Thanking BOV for its financial contribution and committed support, Mr de Giorgio said: “Work and expenses involved in such projects often reach substantial levels. In fact, such ambitious projects would never materialise without the financial support of major institutions such as BOV, whom we are proud to have as one of our major patrons.”
Speaking about the actual work, Mr de Giorgio said that as Palazzo Falson was one of the oldest buildings in Mdina, great care was being taken to preserve its original features.
However, the building is being fitted with a new electrical system for proper museum lighting, as well as a proper security system.
Facilities will also include floor plan guides to the museum, a gift shop and a roof café.
Speaking about the items to be displayed once the Palazzo is open to the public, Mr de Giorgio said the entire collection had been moved to a warehouse and a team of restorers is currently working on the restoration of the pieces. To date, at least 140 paintings, 190 items of furniture, 15 oriental rugs, 82 picture frames and most of the armoury have been restored. Palazzo Falson also contains a library of no less than 4,500 books.
The Palazzo Falson restoration project, a major landmark in Mdina, was the result of an agreement between Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti and the Captain O.F. Gollcher Art and Archaeolog-ical Foundation, which had entrusted Patrimonju to restore the premises and to re-open and manage the Palazzo as a quality museum.
A Historical Background
Palazzo Falson, or the Norman House, is situated in Triq Villegaigon, Mdina, and was originally a much smaller building.
Another floor was added in the 15th century.
As was customary in those days, the ground floor was used as a store, or stables and kitchen, with the upper floor used as living
quarters. The existing courtyard and staircase date back to the 16th century.The earlier part of the house follows the basic plan of the typical Maltese house or palace of that period. The style of the architecture applied on the façade, namely the pointed arch, is 15th century Gothic. The central courtyard of the Palazzo was also reconstructed to resemble late medieval buildings in Sicily.