The restoration works currently being carried out on the ceiling of the Manoel Theatre have revealed interesting new discoveries that have shed further light on the theatre’s original structure and the modifications that were made in the course of its 274 years.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Peter Bolech, CEO of Malta International Airport the main sponsors of the restoration project and Wilfred Kenely, chairman of the Manoel Theatre, visited the theatre to examine the progress made in the restoration of the ceiling which is the fourth phase of the schedule.

Prof. Guiseppe Mantella, head of the restoration team from the Istituto Centrale di Restauro of Rome, explained how the theatre evolved from its original structure built in stone in 1732 to the building of an additional floor and the proscenium in the wooden structure we have today.

What had started off as a maintenance project in 2003, has developed into restoration and moreover an ongoing research process that has revealed salient features of the Manoel Theatre. “Such is the extent of the discoveries we have made and which we never imagined to find during the various restoration phases, it warrants the eventual publication of a volume to record the various details that have now emerged on the theatre’s history,” Prof. Mantella said.

Commenting soon after the tour of the Manoel Theatre ceiling, MIA’s CEO said that when MIA decided to contribute towards this restoration project four years ago it was not envisaged that it would develop this far. “What started off as financial support has developed into something more dynamic and we are proud to be associated with this restoration project. Our association with the Manoel Theatre has developed into a close working relationship, not just as sponsors on one side and the theatre management and restorers on the other, but rather a familiarity between us all which draws us even closer to appreciate this architectural monument,” Mr Bolech said.

The Manoel Theatre restoration project commenced in 2003 and Malta International Airport plc has always been its main sponsor. Also supporting the current phase of the restoration is HSBC Bank Malta through Din l-Art Helwa.