Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here
A new outdoor exhibition by Heritage Malta on the Sliema waterfront invites the public to explore how Malta protects and studies its underwater heritage, ranging from shipwrecks and aircraft to artefacts and marine ecosystems. Running throughout the summer, the exhibition marks 25 years since the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage entered into force and five years since Malta ratified it.
Organised by Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, ‘Celebrating Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage’ takes visitors on a journey through Malta’s exploration of its seas. It traces this story from Ġan Franġisk Abela’s 17th-century observations of submerged remains to key milestones in modern underwater archaeology, including the establishment of the world’s first deep-water archaeological park off Xlendi Bay in Gozo.
Artefacts recovered from beneath the waves reveal rich insights into our past. Highlights include 1st- and 2nd-century B.C. amphorae, and their stoppers, which once transported wine and oil across the Mediterranean; a decorated ‘albarello’ – a tin-glazed earthenware jar synonymous with apothecaries – salvaged from an early 15th-century Gozo shipwreck, providing valuable insights into early modern commerce; and WWI perfume bottles, still holding their scent after a century underwater, recalling ordinary lives disrupted by conflict.
The display also portrays the growing threats to underwater cultural heritage, including coastal development, dredging, ghost gear, and pollution, while outlining solutions such as systematic recording and deep-water diving for less-invasive research. Initiatives such as Heritage Malta’s WreckLife project further demonstrate how innovation and public engagement are helping to protect these sites.
During the exhibition’s official launch, Heritage Malta’s Chief Operations Officer, Kenneth Gambin, stated: “This exhibition reflects the agency’s enduring commitment to the sea as a cornerstone of Maltese identity, while marking the beginning of a stronger presence in this region. With Manoel Island and Fort Tigné set to be entrusted to us, we are entering a new phase focused on safeguarding more parts of our heritage and making them accessible to both local communities and visitors.”
The Head of Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, Professor Timmy Gambin, explained that: “Although commemorating five years since Malta’s ratification of the UNESCO Convention marks a significant milestone, it is essential to recognise that Malta’s progress in underwater archaeology has stemmed from local and international collaborative efforts, the exchange of expertise, and research initiatives. In this light, the exhibition serves not only as a tribute to the convention but also as a celebration of the journey which shaped Malta’s role in this field.”
From Friday 31st July till Sunday 2nd of August, between 6:00pm and 11:00pm, the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit will be present with its information kiosk, complementing the exhibition by answering any questions the public may have and offering 360° virtual reality dives into underwater heritage sites around Malta and Gozo. Follow the Unit’s Facebook page for updates on additional dates and times when the kiosk will be on site.
The exhibition runs until the end of September 2026.
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