National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
Museum in Mdina
The National Museum of Natural History is one of the top attractions in Mdina if you are curious about the stories behind Malta's rocks, seas, and wildlife. Set inside the grand 18th-century Palazzo Vilhena, it combines the charm of a Baroque palace with the excitement of a museum packed with fossils, marine giants, minerals, and creatures from across the Maltese Islands and beyond.
As the custodian of Malta's National Biological Collections, the museum holds nearly one million specimens that chart everything from prehistoric seas and ancient crocodiles to modern birds, insects, and plants. Walking its halls is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Mdina, especially if you want a deeper understanding of the landscapes and ecosystems that surround the Silent City's walls.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the National Museum of Natural History
- Things to See and Do in the National Museum of Natural History
- How to Get to the National Museum of Natural History
- Practical Tips on Visiting the National Museum of Natural History
- Where to Stay close to the National Museum of Natural History
- Is the National Museum of Natural History Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting the National Museum of Natural History
- Nearby Attractions to the National Museum of Natural History
History and Significance of the National Museum of Natural History
The museum’s home, Palazzo Vilhena, began life as a noble residence in the 18th century, built in an elegant Baroque style that still sets the tone for your visit today. High ceilings, sweeping staircases, and grand rooms were originally designed to impress visiting dignitaries and express the wealth and taste of Malta’s elite. This architectural backdrop now adds a layer of drama to the specimens on display, reminding you that nature and culture have always been intertwined here.
Over the centuries the palace changed roles several times before being officially inaugurated as the National Museum of Natural History on 22 June 1973. This transformation turned a symbol of aristocratic prestige into a public space dedicated to learning, research, and conservation, opening up both the building and its collections to visitors from Malta and abroad.
Today, the museum is the heart of Malta’s National Biological Collections, responsible for acquiring, conserving, and interpreting specimens that document the islands’ flora, fauna, geology, and ecosystems. Its mission goes beyond simply displaying curiosities: it aims to foster environmental awareness, support scientific study, and show how Malta fits into wider Mediterranean and global natural history.
Things to See and Do in the National Museum of Natural History
Inside the museum, you will find an extraordinary variety of specimens that bring millions of years of natural history to life. Highlights include a Flying Squid that washed ashore in the 1980s, preserved as an impressive reminder of what swims in the surrounding seas, and a 4,000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile from ancient Egypt that hints at long-distance connections and ancient beliefs. These standout pieces immediately capture the imagination and set the tone for the rest of your visit.
As you move through the galleries, fossils tell the story of Malta’s geological past. Look out for the Crocodilian head found in Gozo’s rock formations and the skull of a False Killer Whale, both of which point to a time when the islands and their surrounding waters were home to very different ecosystems. The showpiece of the museum is the tooth of the extinct Giant White Shark (Carcharocles megalodon), a vast predator that once ruled prehistoric oceans; standing before it, you get a visceral sense of the scale and power of life in Earth’s deep past.
Beyond individual specimens, themed halls immerse you in Malta’s living environments. The Habitats Hall presents rocky coasts, cliffs, valleys, and woodlands populated by native birds, reptiles, and insects, offering a holistic view of how species and landscapes fit together. Other rooms pay tribute to local naturalists such as Joe Sultana, particularly in displays focused on Filfla and Fungus Rock, while the L. Mizzi Hall showcases part of Lewis Mizzi’s mineral collection, revealing the geological foundations of the Maltese archipelago. Together, these spaces make the museum both a cabinet of wonders and a celebration of the people who dedicated their lives to understanding nature.
How to Get to the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is located inside Palazzo Vilhena near the entrance to Mdina, so your visit starts with reaching the Silent City in central Malta. The nearest gateway is Malta International Airport near Luqa, around 20-30 minutes away by taxi or car depending on traffic and your starting point. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Mdina on Booking.com.
There is no railway network in Malta, so you will not be arriving by train; instead, frequent buses connect Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, and many coastal resorts with Rabat and Mdina, making public transport an easy and budget-friendly option.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From the main bus stops near Mdina Gate, it is only a short walk to Palazzo Vilhena, which sits right by the entrance to the walled city.
If you prefer to drive, clearly signposted roads lead to Mdina from all parts of the island, and public car parks are available just outside the walls where you can leave your vehicle before exploring on foot. Once parked, simply head towards Mdina Gate and you will find the National Museum of Natural History in Palazzo Vilhena just nearby, perfectly placed to start or finish your exploration of the Silent City.
Practical Tips on Visiting the National Museum of Natural History
- Suggested tips: Start your visit on the lower floors and work your way up systematically so you do not miss any of the major galleries or highlight specimens.
- Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon works well, especially on hot days when the thick stone walls offer a welcome break from the sun.
- Entrance fee: Adults: €5.00
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM); closed on select public holidays.
- Official website: https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/national-museum-of-natural-history/
- How long to spend: Allow at least 60-90 minutes to see the main exhibits, longer if you enjoy reading detailed panels or travelling with children who like to explore at their own pace.
- Accessibility: The historic building includes staircases and some uneven floors, but certain areas may be accessible via ramps or lifts; ask at the entrance for the most accessible route.
- Facilities: On-site facilities typically include a reception area, toilets, and sometimes a small shop or information desk, while cafés and restaurants lie just outside in Mdina and nearby Rabat.
- Photography tip: If photography is allowed, look for contrasts between the Baroque palace architecture and modern display cases, and be prepared for low light in some galleries.
- Guided tours: Check whether guided tours, school programmes, or special themed visits are running during your stay, as these can offer extra insight into particular collections or topics.
- Nearby food options: After your visit, step out into Mdina or Rabat, where you will find plenty of cafés and eateries for a coffee, snack, or leisurely meal as you digest what you have seen.
Where to Stay close to the National Museum of Natural History
Staying near the National Museum of Natural History makes it easy to explore both the museum and Mdina's historic streets at a relaxed pace. Inside the walls, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux offers a luxurious base in a converted palace only a short walk from Palazzo Vilhena, perfect if you enjoy historic ambiance and high-end comfort. Just outside Mdina, Point de Vue Guesthouse provides a more affordable option with wide countryside views and convenient pedestrian access to the Silent City and the museum. Another appealing choice is Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse, a characterful guesthouse in Rabat that places you within easy walking distance of Mdina Gate and the museum while giving you a more local, lived-in neighbourhood feel.
Is the National Museum of Natural History Worth Visiting?
The National Museum of Natural History is definitely worth visiting, particularly if you like to balance Mdina's architectural and religious heritage with insights into Malta's landscapes and wildlife. From giant shark teeth and ancient crocodiles to delicate minerals and carefully recreated habitats, the museum offers a fascinating cross-section of the natural forces that have shaped the islands. Combined with its setting inside the elegant Palazzo Vilhena and its role as the custodian of Malta's National Biological Collections, it stands out as one of the things to do in Mdina that appeals to families, curious adults, and nature lovers alike.
What Other Travellers Say...
National Museum of Natural History, set in an 18th-century palace in Mdina (Pjazza Publju, L-Imdina MDN 1010, Malta), showcases collections on Malta's flora, wildlife and geology with an especially large assemblage of European bird specimens; visitors describe it as a small, low-cost, old‑style museum with limited interpretation or interactive displays, friendly staff, several stairs that make access difficult for prams or wheelchairs, occasional themed events like candlelit evenings that can be atmospheric but crowded, and mixed impressions of the display condition — worthwhile for a brief visit if you enjoy traditional natural history collections.
FAQs for Visiting the National Museum of Natural History
Nearby Attractions to the National Museum of Natural History
- Mdina Cathedral (St Paul's Cathedral): The city's impressive Baroque cathedral with a richly decorated interior and important religious artworks.
- Mdina Gate: The iconic main entrance to Mdina, offering a grand introduction to the Silent City just outside the museum's doors.
- Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum: A beautifully preserved medieval townhouse turned museum, showcasing noble domestic life and rare collections.
- Mesquita Square: A small, atmospheric courtyard with an ancient well and Game of Thrones filming connections, perfect for a quiet pause and photos.
- Bastion Square (Pjazza tas-Sur): A panoramic terrace on the city walls with sweeping views over Rabat, the countryside, and the distant Mosta Dome.
The National Museum of Natural History appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Mdina!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM); closed on select public holidays.
Adults: €5.00
Nearby Attractions
- Mdina Dungeons (0.0) km
Museum - Torre dello Standardo (0.0) km
Tourist Office and Tower - Mdina Gate (0.0) km
City Gate - Mdina Bastions (0.1) km
City Walls - Mdina Ditch Gardens (0.1) km
Gardens - Mdina Cathedral Museum (0.1) km
Museum - Mesquita Square (0.1) km
Square - Howard Gardens (0.2) km
Gardens - Saint Paul's Cathedral (0.2) km
Cathedral - Gourgion House (0.2) km
Historic Building
