Malta Museum of Natural History in Mdina Malta

The Malta Museum of Natural History is located in the silent city, i.e. Mdina.

It’s essentially a national repository of biological specimens mainly relating to the Maltese islands.

Housed in the Magisterial Palace of Justice, the building originally served as the offices of the local Government. At one point, the palace also served as a temporary hospital.

During World War II, the building suffered many bomb attacks.

The museum housed within the palace was opened for the general public in 1973.

Although not one of the most popular museums in Malta, the National Museum of Natural History covers a wide range of themes such as insects, birds, human evolution and marine ecosystems.

What can you see in the Museum of Natural History?

A section of the museum is dedicated to the national bird of Malta, i.e. the Blue Rock Trush (in Maltese, it’s called Il-Merill) and the national plant of Malta the Maltese Centaury (Widnet il-Bahar).

You will also get a clear view of Maltese geology.

In this museum, you can also see remains from the Maltese Quaternary Period namely a tusk of a pygmy elephant. Also of note are the teeth of a pygmy hippopotamus as well as a Maltese giant dormouse's lower jaw.

Another area focuses on reptiles.

A small section of the museum is dedicated to marine ecosystems, wherein you will see many whale bones, benthic fauna and crustaceans, among other things.

Another hall focuses on ornithology.

An interesting section in the museum is the one dedicated to insects. On the roof of the palace you will find a lovely Cactus Garden.

A visit to this museum is highly educational since the displays are very detailed.

Getting there

Malta Museum of Natural History

Location: Pjazza San Publiju, Mdina Malta

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 9.00 am till 5.00 pm. The museum is closed on the 24th, 25th and 31st of December, the 1st of January and Good Friday.

Entrance Fee: Euro 5.00 (If you intend to visit more museums in Mdina and Rabat, you can purchase a Multi Site Ticket).

Be sure to visit our main section on Malta museums for more information and ideas on which museums to go to while on your Malta holidays.

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