Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1497281
7 PHOTOGRAPHY maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 APRIL 2023 THE public will have the op- portunity to visit the Grand Master's Palace today, as part of an open weekend organised by Heritage Malta to commem- orate the fourth anniversary of George Vella as President of Malta. In fact, besides the at- traction of the palace itself, the open weekend will provide in- sight into the current Presiden- cy through a photography exhi- bition held on site. The exhibition, titled Presiden- za b'Differenza (Presidency with a Difference), is based on a phrase from President George Vella's inaugural address on 4th April 2019: "Mine will be a silent Pres- idency, an impartial Presiden- cy, that serves as a moral guide for our country and a source of national unity." The exhibition will take a close glimpse at the work implemented by President George Vella and his office since the start of his term, while cele- brating achievements, sharing commitments, commemorating events, and shedding light on some behind-the-scenes mo- ments. Held at the Uccelliera – a space that was discovered and restored during the current restoration project at the Grand Master's Palace – the exhibition will be divided in four sections: The Presidency and its Challenges; The Presidency and Identity; The Presidency of Dialogue; and A Presidency that Listens. The public will also be able to assess the progress made so far in the restoration works at the Grand Master's Palace, now nearing completion. The palace's restoration will cost more than €30 million in total, part of which is being co-fi- nanced by the European Union as part of the European Fund for Regional Development (around €10 million). The initial phase is expected to be completed this year, with the entire project being ready by 2025. Besides the Uccelliera, during the open weekend the public will have access to the Piano Nobile corridors as well as several state rooms that have been extensively restored. These spaces served as the winter and summer apart- ments used by the Grand Mas- ters. Visitors will also have the op- portunity to explore other spac- es on the ground floor, including Casa del Monte (which will be- come a visitor centre), and the imposing staircase leading to the Armoury. The public will be able to see how restoration works have pro- gressed in the spaces which once served as the palace's stables and which housed the Armoury's col- lection until a few months ago. Visitors may roam on their own on the signed pathways, or else opt for a guided tour. There will be three tours today: a tour in Maltese at 10:30am and two tours in English at 11:30am and 2pm. No pre-booking is re- quired. Tours will be available on a first come first served basis. An additional attraction will be provided by In Guardia re-enac- tors, who will be roaming round the palace in full costume and will be available for photo oppor- tunities. Admission to the Grand Mas- ter's Palace during the open weekend will be free of charge, but donations in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund will be appreciated. Opening hours will be from 10am to 5pm, with last admis- sions at 4pm. Heritage Malta publications will be available for sale. Photography exhibition at Grand Master's Palace commemorates anniversary of presidency