On Saturday, 6 June 2026, Valletta transforms after dark. Heritage Malta’s much-loved Museums by Candlelight returns to the capital — and this year’s edition is the biggest yet, with six historic sites opening their doors from 7:00 PM to midnight, all illuminated by flickering candlelight and brought to life with music and live performances.
For just €6, you get access to all six venues. It is one of the most atmospheric cultural events on the Maltese calendar, and it happens right on our doorstep.
Event Details at a Glance
- Event: Museums by Candlelight Valletta 2026
- Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM to midnight
- Tickets: €6 general admission (all six sites)
- Heritage Malta members: Free (pre-booking required)
- Organised by: Heritage Malta, in collaboration with St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta Cultural Agency, and Valletta Local Council
- Tickets available at: Heritage Malta website, any Heritage Malta museum or site
The Six Sites
This year’s edition adds a sixth venue to the lineup, making it the most comprehensive Museums by Candlelight in Valletta to date. Here is what you can explore on the night:
National Museum of Archaeology
Set inside the elegant Auberge de Provence, the museum takes you through Malta’s earliest history — from the Neolithic temple builders through to the Phoenician era. Highlights include the famous Sleeping Lady figurine, the Venus of Malta, and the magnificent Gran Salon.
Grand Master’s Palace
Valletta’s architectural centrepiece and a symbol of power on the island for more than 450 years. The recently restored palace now grants access to over eighty-five percent of the building — making this a rare opportunity to explore its grand halls, the Armoury, and the State Rooms by candlelight.
MUŻA — The National Community Art Museum
Malta’s national art museum, housed in the Auberge d’Italie, showcasing centuries of artistic expression from the medieval period through to the contemporary. MUŻA’s collection includes works by Mattia Preti, Antoine de Favray, and Edward Caruana Dingli.
Church of St Catherine of Italy
Originally designed by Girolamo Cassar for the Italian Knights of St John, this church remains the only Hospitaller church still annexed to its original auberge. An intimate, beautifully decorated space that takes on an entirely different character by candlelight.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
The crown jewel of the evening. Built in 1572 by the Knights of St John, St John’s Co-Cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece — and experiencing it by candlelight is something genuinely extraordinary. The intricate marble tombstone floors, Mattia Preti’s painted vaulted ceilings, and Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John the Baptist — the only work he ever signed — are all transformed in the warm, flickering glow.
Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum (New for 2026)
For the first time, Museums by Candlelight opens the doors of Fort St Elmo, located at the tip of the Sceberras Peninsula. The fort played a pivotal role in the Great Siege of 1565, enduring a month-long Ottoman assault. The National War Museum inside tells the story of Malta’s military history from the Bronze Age through to the Second World War. This is a powerful addition to the evening’s programme.
Why This Event Is Worth Your Evening
Museums by Candlelight is unlike a standard museum visit. The combination of candlelight, evening air, live music, and performances throughout the venues creates an atmosphere that makes you experience these spaces in an entirely different way. Walking between sites through Valletta’s streets at night — passing illuminated baroque facades and quiet limestone alleys — feels like part of the event itself.
It appeals to history lovers, couples, photographers, and anyone who prefers a cultural evening over a noisy bar. And at €6 for access to six world-class heritage sites, it is one of the best-value cultural experiences anywhere in the Mediterranean.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are available online or in person from any Heritage Malta museum or site. Heritage Malta members enter free, but pre-booking is required.
At €6 per person, we recommend buying tickets in advance to guarantee entry — previous editions have been very popular and venues can reach capacity.
Museums by Candlelight from The Embassy Valletta Hotel
All six venues are within easy walking distance of The Embassy Valletta Hotel. You can step out of the hotel, stroll through the streets of Valletta, and visit every site on foot — no buses, no taxis, no planning required.
For guests staying with us on the night, we would suggest starting your evening with a drink at the Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge as the sun sets, then heading out to explore the sites as the candlelight takes over the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Museums by Candlelight Valletta 2026? Saturday, 6 June 2026, from 7:00 PM to midnight.
How much do tickets cost? €6 for general admission, which covers all six sites. Heritage Malta members enter free but must pre-book.
Where can I buy tickets? Online or from any Heritage Malta museum or site. Tickets can also be purchased at the door of participating venues on the night, subject to availability.
Which sites are included? The National Museum of Archaeology, the Grand Master’s Palace, MUŻA, the Church of St Catherine of Italy, St John’s Co-Cathedral, and Fort St Elmo with the National War Museum.
What is new for 2026? Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum join the lineup for the first time, bringing the total to six sites — up from five in 2025. The ticket price has increased from €5 to €6 to reflect the additional venue.
How far are the venues from The Embassy Valletta Hotel? All six venues are within a 5–10 minute walk of the hotel. Valletta is compact and entirely walkable.
Is the event suitable for children? Yes, though it works best with older children who will appreciate the history and atmosphere. The walking between sites and late evening hours may not suit very young kids.