Beyond the Bastions is an upcoming exhibition at MICAS that offers an in-depth look at the transformation of the historic Ospizio site into Malta’s new contemporary art space. It presents a comprehensive narrative of the design, restoration, and construction process, combining physical access to the newly built interiors with rich archival material. Through documents, models, interviews, and audiovisual content, the exhibition allows visitors to trace the site’s evolution across time—from a military landscape to a cultural landmark. The exhibition draws on resources from the National Archives, Bibliotheca, and the project’s key stakeholders: the MICAS Agency, the Restoration and Preservation Department, and IPO Studio. It highlights the historical significance of the Floriana Lines and surrounding structures— including the Polverista Curtain, San Salvatore Bastion, amongst others. Visitors can explore the contemporary architectural vision behind the museum, including its innovative steel roof structure, and engage with both the physical space and its wider historical and cultural context. By making hidden histories and design processes accessible, Build serves as a dynamic record of place-making, memory, and heritage, bridging Malta’s past with its future.
