Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum
Medieval palazzo in Mdina, home of the collector Olof Gollcher, with furniture, arms, silver, paintings and a rooftop café.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Palazzo Falson stands on Villegaignon Street in the medieval city of Mdina. It was built in the early 13th century on the site of La Rocca, part of Mdina’s defences in the Arab period, and was originally a single-storey building. When Michele de Falsone inherited it in 1524 a second storey and twin-light windows with Arabesque pillars were added. In autumn 1531 Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam stayed in the palazzo for about two weeks. It later passed to the Cumbo-Navarro family and their heirs.
In 1927 the palazzo was bought by Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher OBE and his mother. Gollcher belonged to a family of Swedish shipowners and traders who had come to Malta in 1848; he was an artist, soldier, collector and philanthropist. He made structural changes, called the house the Norman House and lived in it until his death in 1962. He left the property, with his extensive collection, to a foundation with the wish that it be opened to the public.
The Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti began restoring the palazzo in 2002, and it opened as a historic house museum in May 2007. The Gollcher collection brings together objects from Europe and the Mediterranean from the 15th to the 20th centuries, among them furniture, arms and armour, jewellery, coins, paintings, fans, rugs, manuscripts, silver and glass. The museum keeps the atmosphere of a private home, and the Gustav Café on the roof offers views over Mdina.
Highlights
- Thirteenth-century palazzo in the centre of Mdina
- Olof Gollcher collection of furniture, arms, silver, paintings and manuscripts
- Courtyard, refectory and armoury on the ground floor
- Included audio guide in six languages
- Gustav Café on the roof terrace
Permanent exhibition
- The Olof Gollcher collection – Furniture, arms, armour, jewellery, coins, paintings, fans, rugs, documents, silver and glass from Europe and the Mediterranean, shown in the rooms of the former home of Captain Gollcher.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Students with a valid student card, senior citizens, ISIC and ICOM members |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Children aged 6 to 12 enter free when accompanied by an adult; children under 6 are not permitted in the museum. |
| Seniors | €6 |
| Students & apprentices | €6Valid student card required. |
The ticket includes the audio guide, printed and digital information and a 10% discount at Gustav Café. EYCA cardholders receive a 10% discount. Tickets for the augmented reality game “Secrets of Palazzo Falson” are sold at the museum at the same prices.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair access is by a ramp at the side door in Triq is-Salvatur and is limited to the ground-floor spaces: the courtyard, refectory, armoury, kitchen and studio. There is no lift to the upper floors or the café because the palazzo is a listed historic building. The ground-floor restroom is wheelchair accessible; further restrooms are at roof level at Gustav Café.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 6+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Children under 6 are not admitted because of the delicate historic setting; children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Prams and pushchairs cannot be taken in. Children’s workshops are held.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Alight at the bus stop in Rabat and walk through Howard Gardens to the Main Gate of Mdina.
By car
Parking available
Parking is available outside the Main Gate, outside Greeks’ Gate and near the Roman Domus; parking inside Mdina is prohibited.
Bicycle and scooter racks are at Mdina Main Gate and in the Ditch.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Coat check: not available
- Lockers
Gustav Café on the roof terrace; museum visitors receive 10% off refreshments. Free lockers are at reception (bags up to 40 cm × 25 cm); there is no cloakroom. Children under 6 are not admitted to the café.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
The courtyard and refectory can be hired for small wedding ceremonies, dinners, receptions, concerts, film screenings, lectures and launches; board meetings can be held in the Room with a View on the rooftop terrace.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Audio guide | yes (MT, EN, IT, FR, DE, ES) |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for personal, non-commercial use is allowed; flash, selfie sticks, tripods and camera supports are not permitted in the museum. |
| Good to know | Touching the objects on display is prohibited, and smoking, eating and drinking are not allowed. Personal bags may not be taken in and must be left in the lockers. Pets, scooters, roller blades, skateboards and bicycles are not allowed. Children’s workshops and teachers’ resources are offered. |
