Discover, Learn, and Play: Open Weekend at the Museum

On the 7th and 8th of December, MICAS will host a vibrant Open Weekend, bringing together art, history, nature, and play in a fun-filled celebration for all ages. This event showcases the museum’s commitment to engaging the community through creative and educational activities, all set within its historical campus and wide outdoor spaces.

Explore the Historical Landscape

Begin your visit with a historical architectural tour of the museum’s campus, the  unique and storied historical landscape of the Old Ospizio. Guided tours will uncover the fascinating history behind the site’s military architecture  and the new contemporary intervention, offering insight into how art, culture, and heritage shape our surroundings.

Creative and Educational Activities for Children and Teens

The Open Weekend highlights the museum’s educational programs, with activities tailored to different age groups:

• For Ages 5–7 and 8–10:
  Interactive gallery walks introduce children to the bold and colorful artworks of Joana Vasconcelos, such as Valkyrie Mumbet, Loft, Garden of Eden, and Tree of Life. Through observation, storytelling, and sensory exploration, young visitors are encouraged to imagine and engage with art in new ways.
  Workshops follow, inviting children to craft their own magical creatures or their own Tree of Life using simple, colorful materials inspired by Vasconcelos’s unique techniques.
• For Ages 11-12 and 13–15:
  Older children will delve  deeper into the themes and techniques of Joana Vasconcelos’s work. Following a gallery walk that explores her use of materials and storytelling, participants will join workshops to create their own sculptures  inspired by her art. These activities encourage them to think critically about how art transforms everyday objects, cultural symbols into meaningful expressions.

Nature-Inspired Fun

The museum’s landscape garden and nursery offer a variety of hands-on, nature-themed activities for children :

• Go on an indigenous plant hunt to discover the beauty of local flora.
• Get creative with leaf painting or learn about sustainability through seed sowing.
  These activities combine art and ecology, connecting young participants with nature and the museum’s green initiatives.

Fun for All Ages: Playful Outdoor Activities

For those eager to enjoy traditional games and physical fun, the Open Weekend also features:

• Classic Maltese games like boċċi, brilli, and passju, offering a nostalgic glimpse into local heritage.
• Giant Chess, Giant Jenga perfect for testing strategic skills.
• Archery, where precision and focus take center stage.

For art enthusiasts, an outdoor and indoor tour will highlight works by Joana Vasconcelos, Conrad Shawcross and Ugo Rondinone showcasing the blend of contemporary art and historical surroundings.

A Day for Everyone

The Open Weekend is designed to inspire visitors of all ages. Younger children can play and imagine, teens can explore their creative potential, and families can share meaningful moments together, whether learning about art, history, or the environment.

Join us on the 7th and 8th of December for this dynamic celebration of art, architecture, history, and nature. With free admission and a packed schedule of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Date: 7 & 8 December 2024

Time: 10:00 till 17:00

Activities: Boċċi, Brilli, Passju, Giant Chess, Giant Jenga, Archery (no Need for booking)

                   Leaf Painting, Seed Sowing & Plant Hunt

Bookings can be done on bookings.micas.art