Palazzo cultural centre opens in Mdina

The Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre was officially opened in Mdina recently.

The centre will host exhibits from the Cathedral Museum as well as art events, musical performances, dance, community and other events.

It was officially opened by the operators, the Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter, in the presence of the Archbishop Paul Cremona.

The opening was attended by 250 guests including Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo, Mdina mayor Peter Conti Sant Manduca, Malta Torusim Authority CEO Josef Formosa Gauci CEO, as well as local residents.

The evening included inaugural speeches after which guests were able to wander around the renovated nobleman’s palace.

The opening event also celebrated the official launch of an exhibition of works by baroque artist Melchiore Gafa.

Gafa’s brother Lorenzo was one of the greatest baroque architects of the 17th century and is a significant part of the history of Maltese architecture, having designed Mdina Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace in Mdina.

In the coming months, Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre plans to present several recitals, a fine art photography collection by Swedish artist Anna Runfeldt, as well as numerous readings, educational events, debates, and other activities.

Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre offers a fully catered facility for events, meetings, small conferences, corporate dinners and cultural activities.

The complex also houses Xpresso Café by Infinitely Xara.

Director of the Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux, Nicola Paris, said: “The museum extension is housed in a restored nobleman’s palace and extends the range and scope of the Mdina Cathedral Museum to curate special themed displays and exhibits in an independent setting.

“It is an appropriate space to show the various collections held by the Cathedral Museum and adds significantly to the cultural exhibits on display within Mdina.”