The Palace in Valletta is set to get a much-needed €10 million overhaul thanks to an EU-funded project.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici announced the project on Wednesday morning.

This, he said, was the biggest investment on the palace since independence.

"The project aims to regenerate and revitalise the grandmaster's palace by creating an effective and engaging museum environment, ensuring a memorable visitors' experience."  

A key part of the project will see the armoury going back to its original place. The armoury had been moved to a groundfloor hall to make way for the chamber of parliament in 1976. Parliament was moved to its current purpose-building near City Gate building in 2015. Prior to 1976, Parliament used to meet in the Tapestry Chamber at the palace, which has been conserved. 

Dr Bonnici said offices used by the Attorney General will become an entrance foyer and an interpretation centre. 

Some €5 million will be spent on the restoration of art works on the ground floor corridors. 

Facilities will also include an exhibition on the Order of St John. 

Dr Bonnici said the project will take four years to complete and will also include works on the facade, which was restored in 2012. A total 80% of the costs will be funded by the European Union.

The Palace was built between 1570 and 1580 after the amalgamation and conversion of several buildings.

Architect Girolamo Cassar handled most of the works. It served as the headquarters of the grand master and later of the general commanding French troops in Malta, British governors and Presidents of Malta.