The Malta at War Museum documents Malta's heroic epic during the Second World War. Between 1940 and 1943, the Island sustained a relentless siege by the combined Italian and German air forces stationed in Sicily. Throughout this dark period, 15,000 tons of bombs were dropped on Malta during 3,343 air raids which lasted 2,357 hours. 1,581 civilian were killed and 3,781 injured while 7,500 servicemen were killed defending or supplying the Island. Roughly 40% of its buildings were destroyed or damaged. In return, Malta's defences destroyed 532 enemy raiders and was responsible from the sinking of 390,660 tons of Axis shipping which completely crippled Axis supply lines between Europe to North Africa making the Allied Victory at El Alamein in 1942 possible.

​

In telling this story, the Malta at War Museum does not limit itself to the military aspect of the siege but also focuses on its social dimension explaining in every detail how the Maltese and British families survived the war. This is made possible through a combination of period memorabilia some of which can only be seen in this museum, period film footage, evocative audios  and above all attractive and easy to follow interpretation.

​

The museum is housed at ground level in a former guardhouse part of the original 17th century Vittoriosa's (Birgu) land front fortifications. It stands over a vast rock-hewn wartime air raid shelter which offered protection to hundreds of families and individuals in the Second World War. Between them, the museum and shelter provide a unique glimpse into what daily-life was like in wartime Malta.

Delve deeper into the fascinating history of the Malta at War Museum and uncover the stories that shaped this iconic landmark