Malta Will Open Its First Contemporary Art Museum This Fall 2024
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This October, Malta is set to inaugurate its first contemporary art institution, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS). Positioned within the 17th-century Ospizio fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, MICAS will span over 90,000 square feet, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor gallery space, outdoor sculpture gardens, restored fortifications, a shop, and a café, all overlooking the capital city of Valletta.
Prior to its opening, MICAS has disclosed its inaugural exhibition program for the first two years. The debut exhibition, running from October 2024 to March 2025, will feature a solo showcase of Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Her installations will explore themes of domesticity and human existence, highlighting her insightful engagement with everyday life and the essential emotional and spiritual aspects of navigating existence.
Following Vasconcelos’ exhibition, MICAS will host ‘Malta in Focus,’ a group exhibition opening in May 2025, spotlighting prominent contemporary Maltese artists. This exhibition underscores the museum’s dedication to promoting Maltese art on the international stage. In October 2025, MICAS will present ‘Milton Avery and His Influence on Contemporary Art,’ an exhibition examining the American painter’s legacy as an “artist’s artist.” The show will feature works from Avery’s extensive career alongside pieces by contemporary artists like Harold Ancart, Gary Hume, and Nicolas Party.
The establishment of MICAS and its diverse exhibition schedule signify a significant cultural moment for Malta. The museum will not only bring world-class contemporary art to the local community but also position Malta as an influential player in the international art world, making it an essential destination for art lovers.
Further details on the MICAS 2024–2026 exhibition program can be found here.
