Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535025
Napoleon's gift comes to light: Rear admiral Decrès's sword featuring during museums by candlelight maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 MAY 2025 AT the heart of this year's edition of the popular Museums by Candlelight is the sword of honour personally awarded by Napoleon in 1800 to Denis Decrès, a famous French Rear Admiral. This sword was given in recognition of Decrès's in- volvement in the French Blockade, as commander of the warship Guillaume Tell. For the first time, this sword—re- cently acquired by Heritage Malta—will be exhibited at the Malta Maritime Mu- seum. Museums by Candlelight, organized by Heritage Malta in collaboration with the Birgu Local Council, invites the public to experience the Malta Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor's Place and Fort St Angelo during a special evening on Saturday, 10th of May. Visitors will be welcomed by the flickering light of candles and the enlivening beats of live music during extended evening hours. All three sites will open at 19:00 and remain open until midnight. Three interesting exhibitions are cur- rently set up in the sites' unique ambi- ences. 'An Island at the Crossroads' at the Malta Maritime Museum, now in- cluding the Decrès sword, focuses on how our islands were always at the heart of Mediterranean commerce and poli- tics. Curatorial staff will provide insights on key artefacts in the exhibition, and answer any of the public's queries. An immersive experience also transports visitors straight into Malta's Drydocks. Don't miss the opportunity to visit, as the museum is set to close on May 31st for the second phase of restoration. The Inquisitor's Palace, on the other hand, is permanently housing the cap- tivating 'Fare Convito – The Archaeolo- gy of Banqueting in Hospitaller Malta', which delves into the intersection of food, art, and politics, revealing the in- tricate rituals of Baroque banqueting in Malta. 'Threads of Faith – Liturgical Vestments of the Order of St John', also at the Inquisitor's Palace, zooms in on the refined garments worn by the clergy during the rule of the religious order in Malta, and even before. A diverse entertainment programme will make the night even more special. Luke Briffa will perform to the sweet notes of live guitar, violin and cajon at the Malta Maritime Museum from 20:30 to 23:30, the Ta' Verna Folk Band will en- thral audiences visiting the Inquisitor's Palace from 20:00 till 22:00, and Bernie & Pod will be the stars at Fort St Angelo from 20:30 to 23:30. Tickets combining admission to all three sites, for a €3 donation, are availa- ble online on: https://heritagemalta.mt/ store/c445/ and will also be available at the door on the day. This event is gener- ously sponsored by Carisma Collections. The public is encouraged to follow Her- itage Malta's WhatsApp Channel to stay informed on the agency's events , and receive important alerts and updates about potential postponements due to unforeseen circumstances: whatsapp. com/channel/0029Vb4UJxw1yT29ko3G- kq2F Presentation sword of admiral Decres presented to him by first Consul Napoleon Bonaparte for bravery off Malta Portrait of Decrès,1801 Fort St Angelo THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION