Lascaris War Rooms

07/04/2026

VACANCY - Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is looking to employ on full or part-time basis a number of gunners to fire the guns at the Saluting Battery in Valletta during public displays. Employment hours are from 9.30am till 4.30pm. Interested parties are to send their CV by email only: to [email protected]. A valid working permit is necessary.

12/03/2026

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna - the Malta Heritage Trust commemorates the 15th anniversary from the passing of RAF Northolt's Commander Tomas Arne Barrett OBE in 2011 under whose command a twinning arrangement was entered between the WW2 Building 27 at RAF Northolt, Ruislip, Middlesex, UK and the Lascaris War Rooms.

RAF Northolt is home to Building 27 a former ‘Z’ sector Operations Block in use during the Battle of Britain. The Operations Block was the prototype of the ‘Dowding System,’ a method of communication allowing the command chain to communicate to intercept enemy aircraft, the first such system in the world. This building was restored to its original form by a group of volunteers assisted by the RAF and was scheduled as a Grade II building along with a C-type hangar and a former Squadron Watch office. The hangar was used throughout the Second World War to house Churchill’s personal aircraft in which he flew to many important meetings of the Allied leaders.

Group Captain Tomas Arne Barrett (1966 – 2011) was the Station Commander at RAF Northolt, a role he took on in September 2009. He was known for his inspirational leadership, commitment, and concern for the welfare of his personnel. Barrett's principal task was supporting current military operations, and he led from the front, deploying with No 32 (The Royal) Squadron on many occasions to the Gulf and Afghanistan. He was also involved in various projects to reduce the station's impact on the community and the environment. Barrett was a respected officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded an OBE for his service. His death was mourned by military chiefs and the community, with tributes highlighting his extraordinary person and the impact he had on those around him.

20/01/2026

Due to adverse weather conditions, the Saluting Battery, Malta Time-Gun Museum, Lascaris War Rooms, War H.Q., and St Peter’s Galleries will remain closed today.

12/12/2025

Aircraft Recognition Models were essential training tools for pilots, anti-aircraft gunners and the general public during the Second World War. By highlighting the silhouette of particular aircraft models, one could train the eye to recognise high-flying airplanes based on recognisable trends such as wing shape, number of engines, and other features.

This particular model representing the ubiquitous C-47 Skytrain, which saw service as a multipurpose workhorse with a number of Allied air forces, will soon be on display in the Operation HUSKY Museum to show our visitors how such aircraft towed paratrooper-laden wooden gliders to their targets during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943.

The Lascaris War Rooms and Operation HUSKY Museum are open Mon-Sat from 10.00-16.30 (16.00 last entry). Visit us this Christmastime to explore Malta's hidden wartime secrets.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

09/12/2025

Ever noticed that low, constant humming sound while visiting the Lascaris War Rooms? Now you can investigate the source- one of three plant rooms is open for visitors at the very end of the Operation HUSKY Museum. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vital machinery which spread fresh air from the outside world and into the depths of the military complex.

The Lascaris War Rooms and Operation HUSKY Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00-16.30 (last entry 16.00)

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

05/12/2025

🎅🏻Santa's Top Secret Military Gift Shop🎁
From unique stocking fillers to high-quality mementos, the Lascaris War Rooms gift shop has something for everyone. Pop by this Christmastime to get your loved ones a gift to remember.

The Lascaris War Rooms are open Monday to Saturday from 10.00-16.30 (last entry 16.00).

04/12/2025

Max Surman, A Man of Many Talents

An architect by profession, Max Surman joined the RAF in 1941, commissioning as a Flight Lieutenant. He was immediately posted to the Royal Observer Corps, tasked with visually tracking enemy raids flying over Britain.

He was soon dispatched to Malta, where, under the direction of Wing Commander Alfred Woodhall, Surman organised a local, volunteer Observer Corps. This unit was mainly composed of Maltese men and boys.

Surman was an avid photographer- a number of photos portraying the Lascaris War HQ and its staff were taken by Max Surman during his tour of duty in Malta.

In 1943, Sir Keith Park commissioned Surman to use his architecture background in designing the layout of a new, better-equipped Fighter Control Room planned for the extension works in the Lascaris War Rooms.

His restored workspace in the Observer Corps office linked to the 1943 Sector Operations Room featured a photograph of his wife, Phyl. The original photo was returned to its rightful place above Surman’s desk in 2022.

Visit the War HQ War H.Q. Tunnels - Valletta and the Lascaris War Rooms- managed by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna- to delve deeper into the lives of those who kept Malta afloat during the Second World War. Open Mon-Sat 10.00-16.30 (last entry 16.00).

11/11/2025

Lest We Forget those who paid the ultimate price for peace.

The tombstone in the Memorial room of the Operation HUSKY Museum reminds us that during war, both sides suffer.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

05/11/2025

📚Find us at the Malta Book Festival📚

01/11/2025

Today, students of the Diploma in Maltese History in Context and lecturing staff from the Department of History at the University of Malta visited the Lascaris War Rooms and were given an in-depth understanding of the development and varied role of the combined war headquarters.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna strives to share the heritage under its guardianship with students of all ages and backgrounds; military history is not just text in a schoolbook, but an essential part of Malta's colourful past.

For similar group visits and specialised tours, please contact [email protected].

11/10/2025

06/10/2025

The Lascaris War Rooms recently hosted some very special guests. Mr Brian Park and Mr Alex Neill, both great-nephews of Sir Keith Park, along with their respective wives Mrs Kate Park and Mrs Pauline Neill, visited the very place which the famed Air Vice-Marshal, then Air Officer Commanding Malta, ran and developed between 1942 and 1943. The two couples were given an extensive tour of the Lascaris War HQ for them to better understand Park's air defence operations on Malta, as well as the island's role in the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is honoured by such visits which allow the families of those who served, no matter their rank or role, to better appreciate their ancestors' influence on Maltese and international history.