The next cultural lecture in the series organised by Din l-Art Helwa will be given by Dr Conrad Thake on a subject that continues to evoke varied sentiments in the hearts of the Maltese, yet none disagree on the magnificence lost to the island during enemy action in 1942. Dr. Thake will discuss The Royal Opera House in Valletta: From its Inception to the Woeful Ruins of Today, on Thursday at 133 Melita Street, Valletta.

During his lecture, Dr Thake will trace the architectural history of the Opera House, beginning with its inception in the 1860s with Edward Middleton Barry’s design, the initial difficulties encountered during construction, the aftermath of the fire of 1873 and the remodelling of its interior spaces, the tragic day in April 1942 when the building was destroyed by the German Luftwaffe bombers, the years following that destruction and the international architectural competition held in 1953-54, concluding with the plight of the Opera House site today.

The lecture will start at 6pm, and those wishing to be present are requested to be seated by 5.45pm.

Admission is free of charge but donations to Din l-Art Helwa’s restoration projects will be appreciated.