Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

15/06/2026

11/06/2026

LATEST ACQUISITION - MV MELBOURNE STAR CAPTAIN COLLECTION

One of the most often-recounted episodes of Malta's war was the arrival of the 'Santa Marija' Convoy in 1942: Operation Pedestal. Apart from the Ohio, other ships made it to Malta. Namely, the MV Melbourne Star, Captained by the New Zealander David Rattray MacFarlane of the Merchant Navy. It was not his first convoy to Malta, having taken part in Operation Substance the previous year on the same Melbourne Star.

In August of 1942, the requisitioned Blue Star Line ship survived extensive attacks, sailing just behind the MV Waimarama when it exploded. Enduring the incessant bombing attacks, Melbourne Star entered the Grand Harbour on the 13th of August. Captain MacFarlane was presented with various letters of congratulations and tokens of appreciation. Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has acquired these historical gifts, representing the gratitude of the Maltese people towards the daring captain, twice a hero to Malta.

The set includes a silver Maltese dgħajsa, letter opener, and other ornate gifts by the people of Malta and Gozo. A silver shield is also included, presented by the Chamber of Commerce: a critical institution at the time representing all of Malta's importers who relied on the success of convoys. Together with a quantity of mail from the most prominent military and civilian authorities at the time thanking the captain, his personal log, and photos, this collection is a historical treasure, successfully brought back to our islands.

07/06/2026

In the 1920s and 1930s, the commemoration of Sette Giugno was often used as a political symbol by Maltese nationalists and constitutional reformers to highlight the struggle for self-government and resistance to colonial rule.

On 6 June 1937, a group of 27 Maltese fascists led by Savona visited the Addolorata Cemetery to lay a wreath at the monument dedicated to the victims of the Sette Giugno riots. They then travelled through several towns, distributing leaflets that honoured the four men who lost their lives during the events of 7 June 1919.

The following day, the official commemoration began with a requiem Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral. A catafalque bearing the names of Carmelo Abela, Lorenzo Dyer, Emanuele Attard, and Giuseppe Bajada stood prominently in the Cathedral. Among those attending were members of the fascist movement in their blackshirt uniforms.

The Union of Maltese Fascists encouraged the public to attend the Mass and fly the Maltese flag at half-mast in memory of the fallen, although only a handful of establishments responded to the appeal. Later that evening, members gathered at the Union’s headquarters at Frederick Street, where speakers emphasised the enduring significance of Sette Giugno as a symbol of Maltese patriotism and national sacrifice. The meeting concluded with cheers for the fascist movement and the display of a specially prepared Maltese flag bearing the inscription “7th June 1919”. The commemorations also attracted controversy, as one of the speeches delivered during the event later led to police charges for alleged seditious and inflammatory remarks.

Those interested in learning more about this little-known chapter of Maltese history can read Marching On! Captain Frederick Oloff Samut and the Union of Maltese Fascists, available from Wirt Artna museums or online here: https://www.wirtartna.org/product-page/marching-on-captain-frederick-oloff-samut-the-union-of-maltese-fascists

04/06/2026

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1319862743669622&set=a.154737423515499

In a significant step towards safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening collaboration, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is pleased to announce the signing of several Guardianship Deeds.

Acting on behalf of the Government of Malta, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is proud to entrust these important heritage sites to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Din l-Art Ħelwa in recognition of their longstanding commitment and contribution to the protection, preservation, and promotion of Malta’s cultural heritage.

Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Kurt Farrugia, who is empowered to sign on behalf of the Government, said “We are proud to enter into the agreements with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Din l-Art Ħelwa and we look forward to the rejuvenation of these sites under the capable hands of these NGOs. Under the aegis of the Cultural Heritage Act, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage remains committed to the preservation, valorisation and documentation of our cultural heritage and to the transformation of such sites into citizen-led initiatives.”

Read the full press release here: https://schmalta.mt/the-superintendence-of-cultural-heritage-signs-guardianship-deeds-with-fondazzjoni-wirt-artna-and-din-l-art-helwa/


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F’dak li huwa pass sinifikattiv għall-ħarsien tal-patrimonju kulturali u t-tisħiħ tal-kollaborazzjoni, is-Sovrintendenza tal-Patrimonju Kulturali bi pjaċir tħabbar li ġew iffirmati għadd ta’ Atti ta’ Kurazija.

F’isem il-Gvern Malti, is-Sovrintendenza tal-Patrimonju Kulturali hija kburija li se tafda dawn is-siti importanti għall-patrimonju ta’ pajjiżna lil Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna u lil Din l-Art Ħelwa b’għarfien tal-impenn u l-kontribut dejjiema tagħhom favur il-protezzjoni, il-preservazzjoni u l-promozzjoni tal-wirt kulturali ta’ Malta.

Is-Sovrintendent tal-Patrimonju Kulturali, Kurt Farrugia, li għandu s-setgħa li jiffirma f’isem il-Gvern, qal li “Aħna kburin li se niffirmaw dawn il-ftehimiet ma’ Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna u Din l-Art Ħelwa u nistennew bil-ħerqa r-rinnovazzjoni ta’ dawn is-siti taħt l-idejn kapaċi ta’ dawn l-NGOs. Taħt l-awspiċi tal-Att dwar il-Patrimonju Kulturali, is-Sovrintendenza tal-Patrimonju Kulturali tibqa’ impenjata favur il-preservazzjoni, l-apprezzament u d-dokumentazzjoni tal-patrimonju kulturali tagħna u t-trasformazzjoni ta’ dawn is-siti f’inizjattivi mmexxija miċ-ċittadini.”

Aqra l-istqarrija uffiċċjali hawnhekk: https://schmalta.mt/is-sovrintendenza-tal-patrimonju-kulturali-tiffirma-atti-ta-kurazija-ma-fondazzjoni-wirt-artna-u-ma-din-l-art-helwa/?lang=mt

Kultura | Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna | Din l-Art Helwa

25/05/2026

LATEST DONATION: RN SUBMARINER LESLIE JAMES DAVIES

Starting his naval career in 1936, Davies served on a succession of vessels, such as HMS Maidstone (submarine depot ship), and various submarines, including HMS Ultimatum and HMS Telemachus, serving across the seas, including Malta.

Twice mentioned in dispatches during the Second World War, he went on to instruct younger submariners at HMS Dolphin well into the post-war years. Davies retired as Chief Petty Officer, Chief Engineering Mechanic in 1967.

The donation, consisting of awards, insignia, photos, and service records, was made by his own son, who entrusted them to the care of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.

Anyone would like to donate similar items to our care can contact us via [email protected].

18/05/2026

On 1 May 2004 the Saluting Battery project was started by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna in conjunction with the Malta Tourism Authority and later the Bank of Valletta. It is now the most popular heritage attraction in Malta attracting over 2m annually.
In 2009, the restoration of the Lascaris War Rooms and the Combined War HQ complex under the Upper Barracca was inagurated by FWA supported by the MTA, BOV and Malta Airport Foundation and EU funds. It is now considered internationally amongst the best top 100 heritage attractions in the world.
Since its inception in 1986, FWA has proven over and over again its seriousness and expertise. It never cuts corners and does not settle for half measures - Malta with its unique history and heritage deserves only the best. This has always been its maxim and will always be.
With the signing of the new guardiansip deed with the SCH the foot print of the project is being extended to include the original 16th century entrance of the Saluting Battery, two 19th century artillery rooms in St. Anthony's Square formerly the left flanking battery part of the SS.Peter and Paul Bastion and the last surviving above ground structure belonging to the Combined War HQ formerly the Air Officer Commanding office hut in the Lascaris Ditch - all in a much decayed state. This is a clear sign of approval and confidence in FWA's achievements.
The way ahead is only forward and upwards as a new worthy cadre replaces the present guard. When this takes place may they keep at heart the very same infectious enthusiasm, dedication and values that those who were responsible for these achievements have always held dear against all odds and at great sacrifice.

11/05/2026

LATEST DONATION - G45 Gun Camera

This specialised camera was often fitted inside the wings of British fighter aircraft during the Second World War. Once the machine guns started firing, the camera was activated, keeping a record of the particular action. This example has its original transport box and footage indicator.

It arrived as a donation all the way from the United Kingdom, and is now part of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna's collection.