MUŻA unveils renewed vision as it embarks on ‘new chapter’
National Community Art Museum relaunches with upgraded exhibition spaces and a stronger focus on accessibility and inclusion
MUŻA is embarking on a “new chapter” reaffirming its commitment to becoming a more dynamic, accessible and inclusive cultural space for all.
The National Community Art Museum launched its “renewed vision and mission” as it marked the official end to the second edition of the Malta Biennale with a presidential tour of the museum.
MUŻA’s renewed vision, ‘Connecting people through art’, places people at the centre of the museum experience while fostering artistic expression, learning, inclusivity, and the preservation of Malta’s national art collection for future generations
The event highlighted how the Malta Biennale, which itself originated from MUŻA’s vision, has now become “a catalyst” for the museum’s ongoing transformation.
“Through this realigned direction, MUŻA is embracing a broader understanding of accessibility – one that seeks to engage new audiences, encourage dialogue, and ensure the museum remains relevant and responsive to contemporary society,” a statement from MUŻA said on Friday.
President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono visited the museum’s newly completed permanent exhibition spaces following extensive renovation works that created a fresher and more chronological artistic journey through Malta’s art history.
The project also introduced new public spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions and cultural activities, accessible free of charge.
Spiteri Debono hailed MUŻA’s renewed vision and the upgrades to the visitor experience as “an important step” in ensuring that the museum remains accessible and reflects the realities of today’s society.
The President also visited the Malta Pavilion and was presented with a copy of its newly launched catalogue which also features detailed insights into the national collection artefacts featured throughout the Biennale programme.
“The Malta Pavilion shows how art can serve as a means of dialogue, reflection and understanding about humanity, the community and the environment around us,” the President said.
Heritage Malta chairman Mario Cutajar pointed out that MUŻA must evolve to keep up with the changes in the community.
“In MUŻA you cannot separate the community from art, otherwise the basic concept of a National Community Art Museum would be set aside. The community changes, and equally MUŻA must change and always remain current to remain relevant,” Cutajar said.
“Audiences must be broadened for MUŻA to reach and live out its new vision of bringing people closer together through art. Now that the museum's permanent exhibitions offer a new experience, we want to move on to the next steps to bring people closer together through art in all its forms ,” he added.
Heritage Malta CEO Noel Zammit said the major transformation at MUŻA will ensure that visitors gain “a deeper understanding of the history of art in Malta and the influences that have shaped it, within an experience designed around their needs”.
“At the same time, this museum is continuing to strengthen a concept that gives Maltese artists the recognition and prominence they deserve,” Zammit added.