This year marks two landmark anniversaries - 50 years since the foundation of the National War Museum in Valletta and 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. As part of Malta Remembers - a commemorative initiative reflecting on Malta's wartime legacy - Heritage Malta and the National Celebrations Foundation are marking both occasions with a concert and an open day at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum.
What is now one of Malta's most popular museums started as a modest exhibition in lower Fort St Elmo, set up in 1975 by a group of volunteers who called themselves 'The National War Museum Association'. In honour of the enduring spirit of these dedicated individuals who laid the foundations for today's museum, and the 80th year since guns went silent in Europe at the end of WWII, Heritage Malta has prepared a jam-packed programme.
The celebrations begin on Friday 30th May with 'As One - A Concert for Peace', an emotive musical experience paying tribute to wartime resilience and calling for unity and peace. The concert opens with 'WWII Impressions', a jazz suite composed by Dominic Galea and inspired by the war-era musical 'Il-Gwerra ta' Spiru Cefai', followed by a selection of popular anti-war songs headlined by Ivan Grech. Stripped-back acoustic arrangements, evocative visuals, and a live choir will create a stirring atmosphere of remembrance and solidarity. The concert will also feature Maxine Pace and Cliff Zammit Stevens.
On Sunday 1st of June, an open day for all the family invites the public to explore this unique site. The National War Museum will offer guided tours alternating in Maltese and English every hour from 10:00 to 17:00. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to view the George Cross alongside the original letter from King George VI, specially loaned for the occasion by the National Library of Malta.
Re-enactors from the Malta Command World War II Living History Group and the Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta will bring history to life throughout the day. These will be complemented by a variety of activities curated by Heritage Malta's Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU), Diagnostic Science Laboratories (DSL), and Education Department.
A new immersive installation developed by Heritage Malta's Technology and Experience Development (TED) Unit, focusing on the pivotal role of the Bofors Light Anti-Aircraft gun, will also be inaugurated during the event. Weather permitting, a vintage Piper J-3 Cub will fly over the skies above Fort St Elmo - a thrilling highlight not to be missed.
Three new war-related publications by Heritage Malta will be available - an official publication marking the 50-year milestone of the museum by spotlighting 50 unique artefacts from its collection, a publication explaining the Second World War in a more engaging format for younger audiences, and another publication focusing on the awarding of the George Cross - featuring fresh curatorial research.
Free tickets for the concert on 30 May can be booked online or by visiting any of Heritage Malta's museums and sites. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. For more information visit website. Please note that this is a standing event.