Teatru Manoel

About the museum

Teatru Manoel, the Manoel Theatre, is Malta’s national theatre and one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. In 1731 Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena bought two houses in what is now Old Theatre Street in Valletta in order to build a public theatre for the honest recreation of the people, as an inscription above the entrance in Latin still says. The Teatro Pubblico opened on 19 January 1732 with the tragedy Merope by Scipione Maffei, and it took only ten months to build.

The theatre has changed names several times: it became the Real Teatro di Malta under the British in 1800 and was officially called Teatru Manoel from 1866. In the early 19th century the original horseshoe-shaped auditorium was reshaped into its present oval form, and the theatre is a fine example of Baroque architecture. It was restored between 1957 and 1960 and today has a historic auditorium seating 547 people, with 51 boxes on three tiers, and a small studio theatre. The Maltese national anthem was first heard in public at a concert here on 27 December 1922.

Besides performances, the theatre offers visits that tell its story and show the richly decorated interior; they are suitable for all ages. Because the theatre is a working venue with rehearsals and technical work, the auditorium can sometimes be inaccessible and tours may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Highlights

• Baroque auditorium of 1732 with 51 boxes on three tiers
• One of the oldest working theatres in Europe
• Visits for all ages from Monday to Saturday
• Place where the Maltese national anthem was first heard in public

Founded

1732

Operated by

Teatru Manoel (Public Cultural Organisation)

Admission & discounts

The price of €10 applies to the standard visit; themed tours of about one hour led by a guide cost more (for example €15, children aged 5–12: €8). Group booking is recommended.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Visits are suitable for all ages; the theatre stages baby series and pantomimes.

Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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