1. Manoel Theatre, Valletta
Commonly referred to by locals as The Manoel, this theatre first opened in 1732 and is named after Grand Master Fra António Manoel de Vilhena. With a seating capacity of 623 guests, it welcomes thousands of patrons every year for various performances. It’s reputed to be Europe’s third-oldest working theatre, and the oldest one still in operation in the Commonwealth Nations.
2. Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
Known by Maltese as Dar il-Mediterran, this building has been around since the 16th century, when the Knights built it as a hospital and it was known as Sacra Infermeria or the Holy Infirmary. It is now the largest conference centre in Malta, and also houses various performances and events in the grand theatre.
3. Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta
This theatre was built during the British period in 1866, and was a prominent performing arts venue. In 1873 its interior was extensively damaged due to a fire and was later restored in 1877. Bad luck struck again in 1942 however, when it was destroyed during a WWII air raid, just 65 years after its first restoration. In 2013, it was restored and reopened to the public as an open air theatre, with certain parts of its structure retained.
4. Astra Theatre, Gozo
Inaugurated in 1968, the Astra Theatre has hosted various performances and artists, both locally and internationally renowned. This stage has also been the venue where globally acclaimed local artists Miriam Cauchi and Joseph Calleja debuted their operatic career.
5. Aurora Theatre, Gozo
The Aurora Theatre is an exquisite performance space housed inside a regal 19th century villa. It has been a prime location for critically acclaimed operas since its inauguration in 1976, including Georges Bizet’s Carmen and Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, and more recently, Tosca, also by Puccini.
6. Spazju Kreattiv at St James Cavalier, Valletta
Housed in a 16th century cavalier close to Auberge de Castille, Spazju Kreattiv has now become a cultural centre with several exhibitions, films and performances put up every year. The cavalier is scheduled as a Grade 1 national monument, and is also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
7. Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
Previously a late 19th century Methodist church, the current Neo-Gothic church was built between 1881 and 1883 and was the first building in Malta to make use of electricity. In April 1975, the building was inaugurated as a centre for cultural activities and renamed Robert Samut Hall after a Maltese musician who wrote the Maltese national anthem.