The Time-Gun Museum serves as an extension of the nearby Saluting Battery, situated within a 16th-century sunken artillery battery that formed part of Valletta's original defences. This structure was later repurposed as a crypt for the overlying St. George's Garrison Church, constructed in 1856. Until recently, access to this building was restricted to the public. Located just outside the Upper Barracca Gardens, beneath the Malta Stock Exchange Building, the museum recounts the historical practice of using cannons and time-balls to signal time, particularly in the context of sea navigation. Additionally, it provides an insightful portrayal of the history and development of artillery, featuring a diverse collection of original cannons, uniforms, instruments, and equipment utilised at the Saluting Battery from 1570 to 1947.
MALTA TIME-GUN MUSEUM
Monday - Saturday: 10.00 - 16:30
Last admission- 16:00
(Except on 24,25 and 31 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Friday and Easter)
Malta Time-Gun Museum, Castille Square, Valletta, VLT1221, Malta
Members: FREE
Adult (16+ years old): €6
Child (5-15 years old): €3
Tickets include guided tour and free entrance to the Saluting Battery
CLICK TO SEE IN FULL SCREEN
Contact
Opening Hours
Need More Info?
+356 21224845
Mon - Sat
10:00 am - 04:30 pm
(Except on 24,25 and 31 Dec, 1 Jan, Good Friday and Easter)
info@wirtartna.org
Sunday
Closed
Directions
Follow the directional signs starting at City Gate, Valletta. These will guide you to South Street, then onto Castille Place, past the Auberge de Castille, and into the Upper Barracca Gardens. The Malta Time-Gun Museum is situated beneath the Malta Stock Exchange Building (formerly St. George's Garrison Church), on the right-hand side before entering the Upper Barracca Gardens by the horse cabs.
RECOMMENDED
The Malta Time-gun Museum is best seen in conjunction with the nearby SALUTING BATTERY, whose history it depicts and whose historical collection it houses.
At the Saluting Battery, a noon-day gun is fired precisely at 12.00 o'clock, reflecting the age-old tradition of providing a precise signal for fleet and civilian mariners to check their maritime chronographs. These chronographs were crucial for determining longitude at sea during navigation. Additionally, visitors to the Saluting Battery can observe the saluting guns in use today, as well as an array of other historic cannons that once formed part of the battery's armament. Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to explore a unique Artillery Side-arm Store, where all gun implements are stored alongside the Gunpowder Magazine. Additionally, a fine collection of historic artillery ammunition, implements, and cannon models is available for viewing.