The magnificent tapestries of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta are back where they belong following an extensive two-year restoration project in Belgium.

These tapestries were once part of the gioia of the Spanish Grand Master Ramon Perellos, who took office in 1697. Gioia were gifts that every newly appointed Grand Mater presented to the Order of St John following their election.

They were commissioned in 1708 from the Gobelins manufactory in Paris and arrived in Malta two years later.

Woven from a series of designs, known as cartoons, entitled Tenture des Indes, they depict exotic scenes inspired by lands that had only recently been discovered at the time.

The Grand Master’s Palace tapestries are the only complete surviving set woven from the original cartoons, and have been on display for over 300 years in the hall they were made for.

Restoration works were entrusted to the De Wit Royal Manufacturers of Belgium, internationally renowned for their expertise in this field.

The last time the entire set of tapestries underwent restoration was in 1910, at the Gobelins manufactory itself.

During their time in Belgium, two Heritage Malta delegations visited the De Wit laboratories in 2024 and 2025 to discuss the ongoing restoration works.

In consultation with the De Wit experts, Heritage Malta has changed the hanging system to allow the tapestries to be taken down without the need for ladders or scaffolding, with less risk for the tapestries.

While restoration works were going on, Heritage Malta took the opportunity to restore the Tapestry Chamber itself, with works done on the ceiling, soffit, walls, apertures and marble floor, as well as the canvas paintings that surround the chamber along the upper part of the walls.

The restored tapestries were inaugurated under the patronage of President Myriam Spiteri Debono and Heritage Minister Malcolm Paul Agius Galea.

The President described the tapestries as a unique historical and artistic treasure and said the restoration should raise awareness of the importance of conserving our cultural heritage.

Heritage Malta has also released a new book about the tapestries, entitled The Gobelins Tapestries in the Council Chamber.

Authored by Emmanuel Magro Conti, it is available for purchase from Heritage Malta’s museums and sites, as well as online.

Heritage Malta has also produced an extensive documentary about the tapestries, which will be broadcast on TVM+ on Friday, 3rd July at 6:15pm.