The Malta Biennale 2026
The first week of the Malta Biennale has just come to a close.
The first week of the Malta Biennale has just come to a close. The opening of the second edition of this international platform for contemporary art was marked by a vibrant and dynamic start, bringing together artists, curators, and audiences in a series of events and exhibitions held at some of the most cultural and iconic sites in Malta and Gozo.
The Malta Biennale officially launched on March 10, with an inauguration held at the Sacra Infermeria, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta – setting the tone for a programme that bridges heritage and contemporary artistic expression. This
was followed by the Awards Ceremony on March 13, held at the Oratory of St John’s Co-Cathedral, celebrating outstanding artistic contributions presented during this year’s edition.
Throughout the week, a number of compelling live artist performances engaged audiences in unique and immersive ways. From March 11-18, Japanese artist Sachiko Abe presented Cut Papers, a live performance at the Grand Master’s Palace. On March 11 and 12, Vasco Araújo presented Carne Vale, a sculptural performance also hosted at the Grand Master’s Palace. Meanwhile, on March 13, Concetta Modica presented Tomato Sepal Liturgy – Collective Prayer, at the Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Xagħra, Gozo, offering a contemplative and site-specific experience.
A number of satellite events were also launched during the opening week of the Biennale, including: Entry Denied, at Christine X Gallery, Sliema, and Materia Prima at JoBorg Gallery, also in Sliema, Ground 99 in Senglea and Women Grace above the Battle, at Pjazza Tritoni, Floriana. The opening week also saw the launch of numerous national and thematic pavilions, further reinforcing the Biennale’s international scope. On March 11, a series of national pavilions were inaugurated at Fort St Elmo, including the National Pavilions of: Spain, Finland, Poland, Armenia, and China. The same day, the Troy Pavilion and Counterpoint Pavilion opened at the Birgu Old Armoury.
On March 12, additional pavilions were unveiled, including the Serbia National Pavilion at Fort St Elmo, alongside So Good to Feel Real, Floating Fragments, Bullets of Flowers, and Redefining: Polish-Ghanaian Textile Narratives at the Birgu Old Armoury. The momentum proceeded on March 13, with the inauguration of A Wall that isn’t One at the Birgu Old Armoury, followed by the France National Pavilion at Fort St Elmo on March 14.
The opening week programme was drawn to a close on March 18, with the inauguration of the Malta National Pavilion at MUŻA. Malta Biennale 2026 continues in the coming weeks with an extensive programme of exhibitions, performances, and public engagement initiatives, affirming its role as a key platform for contemporary artistic dialogue in the Mediterranean and beyond.
These include: The Curator’s Tour of the Malta National Pavilion, taking place at MUŻA, on 21 March; two events by Joseph Calleja and Clare Ghigo on March 23 and 26, respectively at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu.
Tickets for the Malta Biennale can be purchased via: www.maltabiennale.art
The full schedule of exhibitions, participating artists, pavilions and events in the public programme, can also be accessed via: www.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.
