Malta Biennale 2026 officially inaugurated
The second edition of the Malta Biennale 2026 was officially inaugurated last night during a lavish evening of spectacle at the Sacra Infermeria in Valletta.
Inspired by the Malta Biennale theme, Clean | Clear | Cut, the inauguration unfolded through a contemporary oratorio that brought sound, bodies, costume, light, and architecture into a shared act of attention. Under the artistic direction of Sean Buhagiar, the oratorio unravelled through six ‘phases’, representing the six days of Creation, for which six short original choral works by different composers were commissioned.
The oratorio was punctuated by speeches delivered by Malta Biennale 2026 Artistic Director Rosa Martínez, Malta Biennale 2026 President and Chairman of Heritage Malta Mario Cutajar, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici, and H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono. The Prime Minister was expected to be present and address the official opening of the Malta Biennale; however, at the same time he was required to address a virtual summit with European leaders due to international impacts, including those in the energy sector.
The Malta Biennale 2026 runs until 29 May, with three days of previews which close on Friday, 13 March. The Biennale will be open to the public on Saturday, 14 March.
Under the helm of internationally acclaimed Artistic Director Rosa Martínez, there are over 130 artists representing some 43 countries participating in this edition of the international contemporary art platform. The Malta Biennale 2026 also features 27 national and thematic pavilions, as well as a strong public programme of events aimed at myriad audiences. The international exhibition and the pavilions are spread across 11 Heritage Malta museums and historical sites in four main locations: Valletta, Vittoriosa, Victoria and Xagħra.
Organised by Heritage Malta, the Malta Biennale is now in its second edition following the launch of the international contemporary art platform in 2024. Since the first edition, the Biennale has achieved considerable international success as well as significant media exposure. The Malta Biennale was conceived with a vision to create an open dialogue between the past and the present, between cultural heritage and contemporary art. Through Heritage Malta’s historical sites and museums, the Malta Biennale becomes the catalyst which enhances accessibility and engagement between audiences and space, history and artefact. The Malta Biennale is being held under the distinguished patronage of the President of Malta and UNESCO.
On 13 March, during an awards ceremony which will be held at the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the recipients of The Maltese Falcon – the award of the Malta Biennale – for Best Artwork and Best Pavilion will be announced by an international jury of experts in the field of visual art.
Tickets for the Malta Biennale can be purchased via maltabiennale.art. The full schedule of exhibitions, participating artists, pavilions and events in the public programme can also be accessed via maltabiennale.art.
The Malta Biennale is organised by Heritage Malta in partnership with Arts Council Malta, Visit Malta, the Valletta Cultural Agency and Public Broadcasting Services. The Malta Biennale is also being held in full collaboration with the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
