Malta Maritime Museum
Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta
Duration
1–2 hours
Entry
Check the official Heritage Malta website for current ticket prices
Hours
Daily — check the official Heritage Malta website for current times
Cruise
Day Trip ✓
A museum of Malta's maritime history housed in the former Royal Naval Bakery in Birgu, displaying ships, models, artefacts and archives.
Local Tip
The museum is in Birgu — combine it with Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor's Palace and the Three Cities waterfront for a full day in the Grand Harbour area.
The Malta Maritime Museum is housed in the former Royal Naval Bakery in Birgu (Vittoriosa), a grand 19th-century building on the waterfront of the Grand Harbour. Managed by Heritage Malta, the museum traces Malta's rich maritime history — from the Phoenicians and Romans through the Knights of St John and the British Royal Navy, to the present day.
The museum's collections include model ships, navigational instruments, cannons, uniforms, paintings, photographs and a range of maritime artefacts, as well as archives documenting Malta's centuries as a naval base. The building itself is part of the story — the Royal Naval Bakery supplied bread to the British Mediterranean Fleet. The museum is a natural part of a visit to Birgu and the Three Cities, alongside Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace.
⭐ Highlights
- ✓Museum of Malta's maritime history in the former Royal Naval Bakery
- ✓Collections of model ships, navigational instruments and cannons
- ✓Traces maritime history from Phoenicians to the British Royal Navy
- ✓Archives documenting Malta's centuries as a naval base
- ✓Grand 19th-century building on the Birgu waterfront
How to Get There
The Malta Maritime Museum is on the Birgu waterfront, a 5-minute walk from the Birgu (Vittoriosa) ferry stop and the Three Cities waterfront. Birgu is reachable by ferry from Valletta (Sliema–Valletta–Three Cities ferry) or by bus.
Open in Google MapsBest Time to Visit
Visit in the morning for the quietest experience. The museum is large — allow 1–2 hours. Combine with Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace for a full Birgu day.
Visitor Tips
- 💡Combine with Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu
- 💡Allow 1–2 hours — the museum is large
- 💡The model ship collection is a highlight
- 💡Take the Three Cities ferry from Valletta for a scenic approach
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Fort St Angelo
- Inquisitor's Palace
- Malta at War Museum
- Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
- Fort Rinella
Malta Maritime Museum — Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Malta Maritime Museum free?
Entry to Malta Maritime Museum costs Check the official Heritage Malta website for current ticket prices.
How long should I spend at Malta Maritime Museum?
We recommend spending around 1–2 hours at Malta Maritime Museum to see the highlights.
What are the opening hours of Malta Maritime Museum?
Malta Maritime Museum is open: Daily — check the official Heritage Malta website for current times.
Where is Malta Maritime Museum in Malta?
Malta Maritime Museum is located in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta.
Is Malta Maritime Museum suitable for cruise day visitors?
Yes, Malta Maritime Museum is cruise-friendly and easily accessible from Valletta's cruise terminal during a day visit to Malta.
What's the best tip for visiting Malta Maritime Museum?
The museum is in Birgu — combine it with Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor's Palace and the Three Cities waterfront for a full day in the Grand Harbour area.
