Miniature maps on display

More than 90 miniature maps of Malta and Gozo are currently on show at the Exhibitions’ Hall of the Ministry for Gozo, in an exhibition organized by Heritage Malta in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo.

The exhibition includes a unique collection of miniature maps of Malta and Gozo, together with plans of Valletta and the three cities that were printed between the 17th and 20th centuries and published in various rare books around the world. All the maps measure no more than 10 by 15 centimetres. The majority of maps on show come from the Albert Ganado Map Collection, owned by the National Museum of Fine Arts since July 2008, but includes also other maps and books from the National Collection and private collections.

This is the first time that so many miniature maps are amassed under one roof in an exhibition that has been described as the first of its kind ever. The importance of this event stems also from the fact that most of the maps exhibited are extremely rare and have been published in rare books which are being exhibited for the first time.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, who said that this event is another in a series of prestigious exhibitions organized in Gozo with the full collaboration of Heritage Malta, aiming at increasing the public’s awareness and appreciation of our heritage.

She said that such exhibitions have the aim of making our heritage closer and more accessible to the public. Heritage Malta Chairman, Joe Said said that Heritage Malta collaborates closely with the Ministry for Gozo in initiatives and projects which benefit the cultural heritage of the island. Dr Albert Ganado praised this initiative and said that such an exhibition will serve to instil more appreciation and interest in the study of cartography of our country.

The curators of the exhibition are Bernadine Scicluna, from the National Museum of Fine Arts and Joseph Schiro’ from the Malta Centre for Restoration of Heritage Malta, in close collaboration with Dr Albert Ganado. A catalogue has been published and may be acquired from the exhibition venue and leading booksellers in the coming days.

The exhibition is open daily between 8.30am and 12.30pm and on Saturdays between 9.00am and noon. In the coming weekend, the exhibition will be open also on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st September between 9.00am and noon. After 1st October, during weekdays, it will be open between 8.30am and 4.30pm. Entrance is free of charge.