Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1502329
Architecture & Design | 11 coats of arms were added at a later stage. Over the years, the polychromed marble floors have suffered from wear and tear and from past incompetent interventions. As a result, the restoration intervention started with the identification of those elements that survive from the original installation, and any 'alien' elements/materials are being replaced accordingly. "In such a complex 500-year old building with a juxtaposition of historic layers … deciding what to keep or remove is a difficult decision since the fabric itself is its best document … and tearing a page from a book is not recommended! Hence any decision is based on thorough archival research, on-site testing, and multi-disciplinary discussions, keeping in line with the provisions of international charters, and when exposing underlying layers, the process is rigorously recorded." Perit David Zahra (project leader) added that "Restoration is a dynamic thought process … continuously developing … keeping true to the cultural significance and intrinsic values of the building … retaining its authenticity and increasing its legibility …. of its entire history!" With the regeneration of the Grandmaster's Palace, visitors will be able to experience the new interpretation of the centre of power in Malta for 500 years as a historic house based on the blueprint of a baroque palace. The Grand Master's Palace Regeneration Project is part- financed by the European Union under the European Regional Developmental Fund – European Structural and Investement Funds 2014-2020 (ERDF.05.016). Grand Master's Palace prior to restoration