Maltese Prehistoric Art Exhibition at Mediterranean Conference Centre

The National Tourism Organisation in collaboration with the National Museum of Archaeology, has taken the initiative for the setting up of an exhibition of the finest examples of Maltese Prehistoric Art at The Cotoner Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

This initiative followed discussions between the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education and National Culture to enhance and improve our cultural presentation.

This exhibition has served a dual purpose, to show the public the treasures of Malta's prehistoric heritage and the restoration in record time of the Cotoner Hall. The collection of over 171 exhibits includes items of pottery, statuettes, personal ornaments and other artefacts, spanning a period of two and a half millennia, between 5000-2500 B.C.

This exhibition on Maltese prehistoric Art is being held to fill the void due to extensive renovation works being carried out at the National Museum of Archaeology, Auberge de Provence, Valletta. The exhibition will last until works at the museum are completed and artefacts have been fully reclaimed by the Museum.

The collection was first exhibited by the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti during April 1996 in Gozo. It later travelled to Florence and London. This is the first time that the exhibition is being shown to the public in Malta. The National Tourism Organisation has produced a dedicated catalogue as well as souvenir posters for this prestigious exhibition.

The Cotoner Hall, one of the Wards of the Sacra Infermeria previously housed the administrative offices of the Mediteranean Conference Centre. This hall was restored to the highest standards between the 2nd and 29th June, 1997, with emphasis on the original masonry to accommodate the exhibition making use of the NTOM Head Office staff, M.C.C. staff, and private contractors led by Project co-ordinator, Mr. Gerald Miller - Product Development Manager - N.T.O.M. The exhibition display was mounted by National Museum of Archaeoloy staff under the direction of Mr. Pierre Bonello.

The hall is named after the Aragonese Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner (1663-1680) who founded the schools of Anatomy, Surgery and Pharmacy in 1674 which were annexed to La Sacra Infermiera (inaugurated in 1575) or the Holy Infirmary of the Knights of St. John. The Holy Infirmary complex, including this hall, was also greatly enlarged during his time. This is the first time it has been opened to the public.

The exhibition which opened to the public on Wednesday 16th July is being inaugurated today, Tuesday 22nd July, 1997, by the Hon. Karmenu Vella, Minister for Tourism and the Hon. Evarist Bartolo - Minister of Education and National Culture.

Opening hours will be as follows:

Mondays - Saturdays: 09.00 - 17.00 hrs

Sundays & Public Holidays: 10.00 - 13.00 hrs

Entrance to the exhibition will be from the Mediterranean Conference Centre main entrance and the courtyard at Old Hospital Street.