Malta Opera House

Built out of Drama and Passion

For nearly 70 years the former Royal Opera House has been a well-known and highly visible bombsite at the entrance to Malta's capital city.

Originally built in the 1860s and then rebuilt in the 1870s following an extensive fire, the Royal Opera House was one of the best-known theatrical landmarks in the Mediterranean that entertained thousands and attracted artists and performers worldwide.

The history of the Opera house along with anecdotes from relatives and friends who worked and performed in this building is gradually being added to this website here.

If you have friends or family who were in any way associated with the Opera House before the Second World War or if you have any images you would like to contribute to this developing work, we would be only too pleased to hear from you, and with your permission would like to publish and add to the archive here online. You can contact this website at this e-mail address: info@maltaoperahouse.com - and we would be only too pleased to hear from you.

In 1942 enemy bombers destroyed most of the building and it was finally pulled down just after the war with only few parts still visible. From the post-war years right up till very recently the fate of the Opera House site and its status has been in question.

Plans, ideas and architectural designs were frequently suggested but all that has remained is the remnants of the once famous theatre and a reminder of war of which Malta suffered so badly.

In 2008 it looked like the actual theatre status of this bombsite would be removed in preference to a Maltese Parliamentary building. However nine months later that plan was reversed and now thankfully theatre will return as the former Royal Opera House is reconstructed and redeveloped as a brand-new theatre venue for Malta.

These are exciting times for Valletta as the city is set to have considerable regeneration and of course the Opera House bombsite is part of that redevelopment as a new theatre is reinstated.

So this website will follow current developments, plans and ideas as the former Royal Opera House will rise from the ashes of wartime destruction to become a new major venue for Malta and the thousands who visit these Mediterranean islands each year.

You can read the full story about the architect's recommendations and watch an interview about his vision here

'Giving Valletta its dignity back' - Noel Grima looks at the future of Malta's ancient capital city, here

Cover Page

Introduction

About this website

Memories of the Opera House

History of the Opera House

Rough Beginnings

The Rebuilding

The Hey-Day

War and Destruction

Post War Controversies

Coming soon ... features, opinions, plans, editorial contributions and developments