Museums and Heritage Sites

THE MANOEL THEATRE

The Manoel Theatre, built for the "honest entertainment of the people'", by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, is one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use. It is worth seeking not only for its architectural design, but also for its cultural history.
Next door to the Manoel, housed in Palazzo Bonici, is the Theatre Museum and the offices of the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, a foundation that preserves and exhibits Maltese heritage. The Theatre runs guided tours at 10.30 and 11.30 from Monday to Friday and at 11.30 on Saturdays.
The Theatre Museum traces the history of the theatre in Malta, and various items of memorabilia are exhibited. These items have been assembled from both public and private sources, whereas others have been donated by private collectors.
The museum covers the rise and fall of the Manoel Theatre as the Royal Opera House prospered and was eventually destroyed during an air raid in World War II. The guided tours are conducted in English, French, Italian and German.