The Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, as well as the National War Museum, will be closed to the public for a period of six months from yesterday, for works to be carried out. Protective canopies are being erected to protect the two temples from further damage while the War Museum will be closed for extensive refurbishment.

Heritage Malta said a decision was taken in 2000 to install protective shelters that will stop further deterioration to the temples by climatic factors, especially rain. The two protective shelters are designed as a temporary measure with a lifetime of 30 years, with minimal impact on the ground, and can be completely removed. Research is in the meantime continuing in order to develop alternative ways of protecting the sites, which do not require the visual intrusion of a protective shelter.

The contract for the protective shelters, valued at just under Lm1 million, has been awarded to Canobbio SpA, one of the longest-established firms in Europe in the field of tensile membrane structures, following a public call for tenders. The contract for the protective shelters is the largest component of the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Conservation and Presentation Project, which has a total cost of Lm1,808,733 (EUR 4213,214.54) . 63 per cent of this cost is being financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Another principal component of the project is the creation of a new Visitor Centre in the existing car park, which will include an educational area, a cafeteria and permanent exhibition space. Works on this site have commenced. Heritage Malta is responsible for the implementation of the project.

At the War Museum Heritage Malta will be carrying out structural works as well as conservation and reinterpretation of the artifacts on display which include a new design of the layout. The museum mainly represents Malta’s important military role in the post-1800 period under British rule, especially during the Second World War. Several principal exhibits are displayed in the main hall. Among other war relics are the Italian E-Boat, a Bofors anti-aircraft gun, the Willis Jeep ‘Husky’, and the Gloster Gladiator ‘Faith’.

Heritage Malta said that the other archaeological sites and museums will still be open. These include the National Museum of Archaeology, the National Museum of Fine Arts, The Palace State Rooms (closed on Thursdays) and the Palace Armoury.

Those wishing to visit a temple should consider Tarxien Temples, Ta’ Hagrat Temples in Mgarr (Tuesdays only between 9.30 and 11am) and Skorba Temples in Mgarr, open on Tuesdays only between 11.30am and 1pm.