The Malta at War Museum in Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, traces Malta’s experience of the Second World War, especially the air raids of 1940 to 1943. Its nine galleries display more than 10,000 objects, from uniforms and medals to personal belongings of Maltese and British families. Below the museum, a guided route through the rock-cut shelter passes reconstructed warden cubicles, a chapel, a first-aid post and a birth room. Go for the underground tour as well as the exhibits to understand how civilians lived during the war.
The museum and its wartime collection
The Malta at War Museum is in the Couvre Porte Counterguard in Birgu, also called Vittoriosa. Its galleries cover Malta during the Second World War, with particular attention to the air raids of 1940 to 1943 and the effect of the conflict on the island’s people.
More than 10,000 original objects are displayed across nine galleries. The collection includes weapons, uniforms, medals, documents and personal belongings from Maltese and British families. Films, photographs and wartime items help set out the story of the conflict. A film narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier covers Malta’s wartime experience and the award of the George Cross to the island in 1942.
Inside the underground shelter
A major part of the visit is the rock-cut air-raid shelter below the museum. A guided route leads through its tunnels, where reconstructed spaces show how civilians used the shelter. These include warden cubicles, a chapel, a first-aid post and a room where a child was born underground.
The shelter gives the collection a close connection to everyday life during the bombing. Walking through the tunnels, you can see the different spaces used for care, worship and shelter. Wear comfortable shoes, and consider joining a guided tour for explanations of the site and wartime conditions.
FAQ
Where is the Malta at War Museum?
It is at Couvre Porte Counterguard on Triq it-8 ta’ Dicembru in Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa.
What can you see at the Malta at War Museum?
The museum has nine galleries with more than 10,000 wartime objects, including uniforms, weapons, medals and personal belongings. The visit also includes an underground air-raid shelter with reconstructed spaces.
Can you visit the underground shelter with a guide?
Yes. Guided tours take visitors through the shelter and explain life there during the war.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the day to avoid the busier part of the day.
