Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542776
11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 23 JANUARY 2026 CULTURE THE Maltese Islands has been ranked among the top 7 desti- nations to visit during the Malta Biennale 2026. The New York- based digital platform Artsy, one of the most followed art plat- forms worldwide, placed Malta alongside other well-established and renowned destinations that are also hosting major art events this year, including the 61st edi- tion of the Venice Biennale – widely recognised as the most prestigious art platform in the world – and the 25th edition of the Biennale of Sydney in Aus- tralia. Internationally, some 30 major art exhibitions are being held this year, including 16 bien- nials or triennials. The second edition of the Malta Biennale is receiving considerable attention in inter- national media fora, particular- ly from art-focused magazines and digital platforms such as Artforum and South West Contemporary, together with the Germany- based eTN, which stated that the Malta Bi- ennale 2026 positions Malta as a unique destination during the spring season. Mario Cutajar, President of the Malta Biennale 2026 and Chairman of Heritage Malta, expressed satisfaction, on be- half of all those involved in the organisation of this edition of the Biennale, on receiving such media attention for the con- temporary art platform. "Not only is the Malta Bien- nale achieving the objectives for which it was established just two years ago, but it is al- so placing our country on the global art calendar and, moreover, positioning it as a leading destination during the biennale period, shoulder to shoulder with other long-es- tablished and highly renowned events," said Mr Cutajar. The second edition of the Malta Biennale will open its doors across 11 Heritage Mal- ta museums and historical sites in Valletta, Birgu, Xagħra, and Ċittadella in Gozo, between March 11 and May 29, this year. Under the artistic direction of internationally renowned cu- rator Rosa Martínez, the Malta Biennale 2026 will bring to- gether over 100 artists from 39 countries in a main exhibition that is spread across Malta and Gozo, as well as 29 national and thematic pavilions in Val- letta and Birgu. The Malta Biennale 2026 will also present an extensive pro- gramme of over 80 educational activities for audiences of all ages, in addition to 12 satellite events. The Malta Biennale 2026 is held under the distinguished pa- tronage of Her Excellency the President of Malta. The Malta Biennale is organ- ised by Heritage Malta, in part- nership with Arts Council Mal- ta and in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, and with Visit Malta. The Maltese Islands among top seven destinations during Malta Biennale 2026 The Cittadella in Gozo is one of the 11 Heritage Malta sites which will be featured during the second edition of the Malta Biennale 2026 (Photo: islandofgozo)