The unique Flemish tapestries as they hang today. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

St John’s Co-Cathedral Museum has been closed for extension and refurbishment works.

The works are being managed by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and will be carried out in phases over three years to enable the display of all the foundation’s collections. These include the 29 Flemish tapestries, the sacred vestments, the silver collection, the illuminated manuscripts and the Cappella Ardente.

A Caravaggio Centre is also planned, to focus on and highlight the works of one of the most celebrated artists of the baroque era, including his most prestigious painting, The Beheading of St John, which will remain in the oratory.

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

A new and spacious entrance will be located on Merchants Street and provide easy accessibility for those with mobility problems and comfortable facilities for all visitors.

The Tapestry Chamber, which is still to be constructed, will house the one-of-a-kind set of tapestries all in one room. They are presently dispersed in several rooms.

The Chamber will have appropriate lighting, climate control and reading areas where visitors will be able to admire the sheer enormity of the tapestry collection.

An artistic impression of the collection of choral books.

A cross-section of all floors from Merchants Street.

An artistic impression of the silver vaults.