Malta’s Contemporary Beacon of Art & Culture and a Platfrom for Creativity
By Shereen Shabnam
The Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) is an immersive chapter in the island’s cultural story. Housed within the restored 17th-century Ospizio complex in Floriana, MICAS blends historic bastions with a bold curatorial vision, creating a space where heritage and global creativity converge. With over 1,400 m² of gallery space, natural light streaming through modern interventions, and the promise of outdoor sculpture gardens, MICAS is not just a museum but a dialogue between Malta and the international art world.
The Space We Inhabit – Maltese Art on a Global Platform
At the heart of my visit was MICAS’s third major exhibition, The Space We Inhabit, which opened in June 2025. Featuring six renowned Maltese artists -Caesar Attard, Vince Briffa, Joyce Camilleri, Austin Camilleri, Anton Grech, and Pierre Portelli. The show occupied all three gallery floors with paintings, sculptures, video, and sound-based works. Each artist responded to the theme of space, exploring its real and imagined dimensions, and by extension, ideas of place and belonging.
Executive Chairperson Phyllis Muscat describes the exhibition as more than a celebration of Maltese talent, but a testament to how MICAS elevates local artists to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their international peers. Artistic Director Edith Devaney highlighted the exhibition’s intellectual rigour and bold execution, noting how each artist offered a distinct point of view while contributing to a larger narrative of Maltese contemporary identity.
For me, the exhibition was both visually striking and deeply reflective, offering a chance to see Malta’s creative pulse expressed through diverse mediums that carried global resonance. It was a reminder that MICAS is not only a stage for the world’s artists but also a powerful voice for Malta’s own.
Retail Therapy
On my recent visit, I found myself wandering through the soaring galleries before being drawn into one of my favourite aspects of MICAS, the gift shop. Unlike typical museum stores, this boutique reflects the very heartbeat of Malta’s creative community. Each corner revealed treasures by Maltese designers and artisans: locally crafted perfumes and hand-poured candles, scarves that carried whispers of the sea breeze, leather-bound journals that felt like keepsakes of the island’s history, and striking jewellery that merged traditional motifs with contemporary flair. From ceramics and hand-painted mugs to artisanal condiments made with native ingredients, every item carried a story of Maltese culture reimagined for modern life. Browsing here felt less like shopping and more like curating my own slice of Malta’s artistry to take home.
Experiential Destination
What makes MICAS unique is its dual role as both cultural hub and tourist destination. The museum’s architecture itself is striking, offering panoramic views of Valletta’s fortifications while seamlessly integrating contemporary design into the island’s historic fabric. Its programming extends beyond exhibitions, including talks, performances, and educational initiatives that connect visitors with Malta’s creative heartbeat. For discerning travellers, MICAS is more than a stop on the itinerary. It is a space to pause, reflect, and immerse in Malta’s evolving cultural identity.
Whether you come for its cutting-edge exhibitions, its world-class roster of international collaborations, or its beautifully curated gift shop, MICAS offers an experience that lingers long after you’ve stepped outside its walls.
