Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544087
11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 MARCH 2026 CULTURE Gradual closure and new roles for two museums in Gozo A new chapter will soon be starting for the historical build- ings currently serving as the Gozo Nature Museum and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, as their present roles gradually cease and give way for the all-en- compassing Gozo Museum. Both buildings will be restored by Heritage Malta and will be repurposed to fulfil different roles. Substantial parts of the Gozo Nature Museum will close on Friday 20th March. The remain- ing parts will be open free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday, allowing access to the Natura 2000 sites displays on the upper floor and the recreational areas, including the back garden. Situated behind the Courts of Justice at the Ċittadella in Victo- ria, the museum is housed within a cluster of three interconnected domestic buildings dating back to the 1600s, which boast several authentic architectural features. The property possibly served as an inn in later years and was also utilised as a shelter by families who sought refuge during aerial bombings in the Second World War. Once the museum closes down fully and restoration is complet- ed, the building is planned to be used by Heritage Malta for administration purposes, while the Natura 2000 displays and the recreational area will be re- tained. On Monday 13 April, it will be the turn of the Gozo Museum of Archaeology to close its doors. The museum shop will temporarily remain open, and tickets for the Ħal Saflieni Hypo- geum will still be available from these premises. The museum is housed in a 17th-century townhouse within the Ċittadella. Originally serv- ing as a Town Hall where the Knights of St John received dis- tinguished guests, the building later fulfilled various roles be- fore falling into disuse. Initial restoration efforts began in 1937 under Sir Harry Luke, then Lieu- tenant Governor of the Maltese Islands. In 1960, the building became Gozo's first public mu- seum, displaying archaeologi- cal and ethnographic artefacts. Following the reorganisation of Gozo's museum collections in 1986, it was designated as the home of the archaeological col- lection. Upon restoration following its closure as a museum, the build- ing will house a new Heritage Malta attraction linked to the Ċittadella. The closure of both museums marks the final stage of prepa- rations of the collections host- ed within these museums to be eventually displayed in the Gozo Museum – a state-of-the-art space that will bring together the different facets of Gozo's rich history as a fresh and novel visitor attraction, in line with ex- cellence and best practices in the international sector concerning museums and conservation. The museum of archaeology in Gozo The museum of nature, Gozo