National Museum of Natural History, Mdina

Museum in Mdina

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tony Hisgett

The National Museum of Natural History in Mdina is one of Malta's most fascinating and educational attractions, offering a captivating glimpse into the island's rich natural heritage. Housed in the grand 18th-century Palazzo Vilhena, this museum is both an architectural gem and a scientific treasure trove. With a collection of nearly one million specimens, it serves as the heart of Malta's National Biological Collections, preserving and presenting centuries of research, discovery, and exploration. From prehistoric fossils to modern-day specimens, the museum celebrates the extraordinary biodiversity that has shaped Malta and the Mediterranean region.

A Palace Turned Museum of Discovery

Originally built as a noble residence, Palazzo Vilhena has seen many transformations over the centuries before officially becoming the National Museum of Natural History on 22 June 1973. The elegant Baroque palace itself enhances the museum experience — with high ceilings, grand staircases, and beautifully proportioned rooms providing an ideal backdrop for the vast and varied exhibits. The museum's mission goes beyond display; it is dedicated to acquiring, conserving, and interpreting natural specimens, focusing particularly on the local flora, fauna, geology, and ecosystems of the Maltese Islands. Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum plays a vital role in promoting environmental awareness and scientific study.

Exhibits That Inspire Awe and Curiosity

Visitors are greeted by an astonishing array of specimens that span millions of years of natural history. Among the standout displays are a Flying Squid, discovered washed ashore in the 1980s, and a 4,000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile from ancient Egypt — both testament to the global scope of the museum's collection. Fossils such as a Crocodilian head found in Gozo's rock formations and the skull of a False Killer Whale highlight Malta's geological past and the diversity of its marine life. The museum's showpiece, however, is the tooth of the extinct Giant White Shark (Carcharocles megalodon), a colossal predator that once dominated prehistoric seas. Its sheer size and presence evoke a sense of wonder about Earth's evolutionary story.

A Celebration of Malta's Ecosystems and Naturalists

Beyond individual curiosities, the museum's themed halls present a holistic view of Malta's ecosystems, wildlife, and natural environments. The new Habitats Hall offers an immersive look at the islands' diverse landscapes — from rocky coasts and cliffs to inland valleys and woodlands — complete with displays of native birds, reptiles, and insects. Each gallery also pays tribute to Malta's leading naturalists, including Joe Sultana, whose dedicated research into avian ecology inspired the creation of a room focused on the islands of Filfla and Fungus Rock. The L. Mizzi Hall showcases part of Lewis Mizzi's renowned mineral collection, giving visitors insight into the geological foundations that shaped the Maltese archipelago. Collectively, these exhibits make the museum not only a place of learning but a celebration of the passion and perseverance of those who sought to understand nature in all its forms.

The National Museum of Natural History, Mdina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Mdina!

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