Villa Luginsland, an architectural gem in Malta, is currently being restored back to its former glory and transformed into a cultural hub, ‘LuginsLand of Art’. This is thanks to the Polish philanthropist, art lover, guardian of historical buildings and CEO of OmenaArt Foundation, Omenaa Mensah.

The initial opening, which is currently still under construction, includes an inaugural exhibition ‘Space & Time’ curated by the renowned Slovakian set designer, Boris Kudlička, who was invited to the project by the OmenaArt Foundation. The exhibition presents the works of esteemed Maltese and Polish artists.

It encompasses both site specific installations which have been created in line with the curatorial concept and the historic reference of the site, as well as a curated selection of works from pre-existing series by the artists. The visual narrative establishes an intriguing dialogue between Neo-Renaissance architecture and Contemporary Art, aiming to create an intersection between the past and present through intercultural exchange.

Artwork by Monika Falkus - Photo taken by Wojtek Ciszkiewicz

“The main inspiration for the exhibition is the villa itself, its profound history and marvellous architecture [..] I am very happy with the diversity of the collection as the artists utilise different mediums and each of them presents their own unique perspective to the subject”, says the curator Boris Kudlička.

About Villa Luginsland:

Villa Luginsland, founded by Baron Maximilian Tucher von Simmelsdorf, is a unique 19th century residential palace, currently in the process of meticulous restoration to recapture its former glory. The Grade I Historic Property situated in Rabat, Malta that once hosted such luminaries as Queen Victoria and Wilhelm II, will open its doors to the public for the first time in many years.

This architectural gem was designed by a local architect Francesco Zammit. The outstanding building boasts a profoundly rich history, adorned with a captivating façade, lavishly embellished interiors, and distinctive architectural characteristics. The interior stands out with polychrome paintings by Giuseppe Cali, one of the best Maltese artists of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. With the outstanding ornamental elements, Villa Luginsland is an architectural masterpiece of Maltese heritage.

The restoration process includes implementing the state of art solutions and technologies with a team of esteemed international experts. Gathering historical documentation related to the villa and its surroundings, geodetic survey scans, technical reports, and detailed analysis of the whole estate have been all included in the restoration process to make sure that all the elements are treated in respect to the villa’s timeless beauty, history and tradition.

About ‘LuginsLand of Art’:

Rebranded as ‘LuginsLand of Art’, the villa aspires to evolve into a hub for exhibitions, discourse, and diverse artistic events, fostering international artistic exchange and open dialogue across the dimensions of the past, present, and future.               

LuginsLand of Art is poised to open its doors to the public in March as one of its preview events before the construction would be completed in coming years.

Featured Artists for ‘Space and Time’:

Mario Abela, Victor Agius, Matthew Attard, Norbert Attard, John Paul Azzopardi, Austin Camilleri, Monika Falkus, Antoine Farrugia, Nicolas Grospierre, Michał Jackowski, Ida Karkoszka, Lia Kimura, Marcin Maciejowski, Karol Palczak, Janek Simon, Nikola Vudrag, Xawery Wolski, Jakub Julian Ziółkowski, Maurycy Gomulicki.

Site specific works:

The commissioned site-specific art installations at LuginsLand of Art feature the works of Maltese artists Matthew Attard, Victor Agius, Mario Abela, and Antoine Farrugia. These pieces integrate history, nature, and architecture, with the respect to villa's profound history.

Site specific digital landscape series by Matthew Attard,  courtesy of Galleria Michela Rizzo

Each artist brings a unique perspective to their work, aiming to blend with the villa’s architectural and archaeological elements. From Matthew Attard’s digital landscapes to Victor Agius’ sculptures, these works evoke a dialogue between the past and present.

Mario Abela’s installation prompts viewers to reflect on their impact on the world, while Antoine Farrugia’s use of Maltese limestone pays homage to the villa’s architecture. Together, these pieces form an intriguing display of artistic expression, inviting visitors to explore the intersection of time and space at ‘LuginsLand of Art’.

Educational Programme

Alongside the exhibition, ‘LuginsLand of Art’ is also organising an educational programme, which is to be launched in March, which will extend until May 2024. The programme encompasses discussion panels and workshops, each delving into various facets of art and its relationships, including architecture, archaeology, community, and artistic legacy. These panels feature distinguished Maltese and international artists, art historians, and art professionals who bring their perspectives on historical, social, and anthropological issues to the fore. The programme aims to foster an environment for discussion and offers an opportunity to explore the villa's ongoing construction, restoration, and preservation efforts.

About Omenaa Mensah

Omenaa Mensah is a Polish philanthropist, businesswoman, art collector, and founder of OmenaArt Foundation. With her rich experience, Omenaa leads worldwide projects and initiatives in the realms of design, architecture and art. She passionately invests in emerging artists, bolstering their growth and creativity. Motivated by her deep-seated love for art, she takes on ambitious endeavours aimed at conserving and rejuvenating historical sites.

Her expertise has garnered accolades from stalwarts in architecture and design, including luminaries like Boris Kudlička, Bruno Moinard, Alessandro La Spada, and Gio Pagani.

Omenaa is also devoted to emphasising the importance of social responsibility within cultural realms. Her foundation is engaged in philanthropic activity, such as the coordination of the Grand Charity Auction TOP CHARITY, one of the most prestigious philanthropic events in Europe that promotes the best Polish and international artists. The initiative has been recognised and selected by Luxury Lifestyle Awards which celebrate the best luxury services all over the world.

"My team and I have been working on this unique project for many months. We are excited to share the beginning of something truly special. Since I remember, I have always had a profound admiration for historic edifices. I am extremely excited to breathe new life into one of the most significant historical sites in Malta and thankful for having an opportunity to fulfil my artistic dreams”, Omenaa Mensah expressed.

Will you be visiting?