Festa Melħ | Salt Fest: A succesful launch of the Salina Salt Museum

The exhibit

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and BirdLife Malta have collaborated in creating a permanent display of underwater archaeological artefacts at the Salina Nature Reserve which opened to the public on July 27th, 2024.

Salina Bay itself is an area of significant historical importance. The salt pans making up the reserve were constructed by the Knights of St John in the 16th century and are, in turn, surrounded by additional archaeological sites dating as far back as the Neolithic.

The exhibit is built around a collection of artefacts that were illegally recovered from the seabed and eventually returned to the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. BirdLife Malta and the Salina Nature Reserve represent an ideal partner and location for this display because of their shared values and commitment to conservation and public access.

One of the main goals of the display is to shine a light on this area’s rich past and the experience will engage the public on themes of looting, accessibility, conservation, and the protection of underwater cultural heritage through public involvement.

Following the official opening of the Salina Salt Museum, attended by several distinguished guests, the museum was officially opened to the public for Festa Melħ | Salt Fest 2024. Supported by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, this collaborative event offered a vibrant array of activities over the final weekend of July at the Salina Nature Reserve.

Visitors had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities celebrating the museum’s opening, which included complementary entry throughout the weekend. Among the many attractions, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage presented a unique display of underwater artefacts recently recovered from Marsaskala, which are currently undergoing a delicate desalination process. This exhibit was one of several engaging stands that highlighted the event, allowing the public to immerse themselves in Malta’s rich cultural heritage.