Grand Master’s Carriage Back On Display After Completion Of Restoration Works
The restoration work on the Grand Master’s carriage has been completed, and the carriage forms part of the visitor experience at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta once again.
Over the past few months, the Grand Master’s carriage—a French Berline-type vehicle from the late 18th century—was undergoing restoration by a dedicated team of conservators at the Grand Master’s Palace. They addressed signs of degradation in its materials, from wood and iron to fabric and leather, while preserving the rich narrative it offers.
Words from the authorities
At the inauguration of the restored carriage, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici praised the work carried out to honour our historical heritage and thanked the Eden Leisure Foundation for financing this work.
“The carriage is now on permanent display, serving as a means of education and inspiration. This is a clear example of how we can care for the past while continuing to cherish our identity as a people,” said Minister Owen Bonnici.
“The restoration of this artifact, generously funded by the Eden Leisure Foundation, goes far beyond the tangible. It is work that preserves the story the carriage tells without words. This is an important part of Heritage Malta’s mission—to convey the history of each artifact in a way that everyone can understand, so that the long journey that object has taken to reach us continues to be appreciated,” said Noel Zammit, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Malta.
“The Foundation is proud to have supported the full restoration of the Grand Master’s carriage. With an investment of €120,000, this project reflects our enduring commitment to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage. Through similar funding and collaborations, we hope such treasures continue to be appreciated and accessible for future generations,” said Kate De Cesare, Chairperson of the Eden Leisure Foundation.
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The history of the carriage
Used by the last two Grand Masters of the Knights of Malta, Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc and Ferdinand von Hompesch, but most closely associated with the latter, the carriage was originally gilded and included an interior of green velvet. It underwent several changes over the centuries—the most notable being the addition of four oval images featuring emblems of the French Revolution, added during the brief French rule of the island. A popular story tells that the Grand Master sent the carriage to transport Napoleon Bonaparte, but he refused to ride in it.
The carriage back at the museum
The carriage has now returned to its place in the permanent exhibition at the Grand Master’s Palace, next to the Palace stables, where it will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and education for today’s and future generations.
This restoration intervention forms part of the broader restoration project of the Grand Master’s Palace—Heritage Malta’s most ambitious conservation project to date—which goes beyond restoring the building to also preserve priceless artifacts like the Grand Master’s carriage, enhancing the Palace’s role as a national symbol of Maltese identity.
Will you be visiting the newly-restored carriage?
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