The historic tapestries of the Grand Master's Palace have returned to their home following an extensive two-year conservation project in Belgium.
The restored tapestries were officially unveiled during a ceremony held under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono and attended by Culture Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, a government statement said.
Commissioned in 1708 by Grand Master Ramon Perellos and woven at the renowned Gobelins Manufactory in Paris, the tapestries arrived in Malta in 1710.
They depict exotic scenes inspired by newly discovered lands and are considered unique as the only complete surviving set woven from the original designs. They have remained displayed in the same hall for more than 300 years.
The restoration was carried out by the De Wit Royal Manufacturers, a leading specialist in tapestry conservation. The works began in June 2024, with the tapestries returning to Malta in April 2026.
The last complete restoration of the collection took place in 1910 at the Gobelins workshops.
During the tapestries' absence, Heritage Malta also restored the Palace's Tapestry Chamber, including its ceiling, walls, marble floor, decorative features and surrounding paintings. A new hanging system was installed to allow the tapestries to be removed more safely and efficiently in the future.
Speaking at the inauguration, Spiteri Debono described the tapestries as a unique historical and artistic treasure, stressing the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Agius Galea said the investment reflected Malta's commitment to protecting and promoting its heritage as a key pillar of national development.
Heritage Malta Chairman Mario Cutajar said the conservation project had brought the tapestries "back to life," while CEO Noel Zammit said that the collection strengthens both national pride and Malta's international cultural profile.
To mark the completion of the project, Heritage Malta has published a new book on the tapestries and produced a documentary tracing their history from creation to the present day. The documentary will be broadcast on TVM+ on 3 July.
