Fort St Elmo - National War Museum
Fort St Elmo - National War Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Visitors at Fort St Elmo can experience the impressive grounds of the fort, including the splendid architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. Among the most notable artefacts inside the museum one finds the military armour of the Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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- Zosia BWaterloo, Belgium1,412 contributionsHistory and viewsThis is really two experiences in one visit. First the fort itself is well maintained and offers spectacular views of the city and waterfront. The museum is well laid out with interactive exhibits that clearly explain the history of Malta and how it relates to the rest of the world. It really brings history alive. One of the best museums I’ve visited.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 27 December 2022
- Linda Read5 contributionsSuperbly laid outFollow the history of Malta easily with the laid out events through the decades. Fascinating place to visit. Allow at least 1.5 hours to get the full experience as it is a lot of walking and you need breaks to take it all inVisited January 2023Written 6 January 2023
- Sarah W15 contributionsEveryone who visits Valletta should come hereTo fully appreciate everything at St Elmo’s fort and the war museum, you need at least a couple of hours. The museum is very informative and well laid out, going through all the ages of the fort and Maltese war history. We knew a little about what happened in Malta during WWII but left in awe at everything the Maltese people had gone through. The view from the Fort across the harbour is stunning.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 January 2023
- seasonedglobies20 contributionsThoroughly enjoyed it!Brilliant! Thoroughly enjoyable and very interesting. We spent a good couple of hours, enjoying firstly the outside and then the inside displays. They were all set out well and very engaging. We do enjoy reading about the First and The Second World wars, so to add a little more, around what a pivotal part Malta played throughout history, was very enlightening. The way the exhibits are set out, would interest all ages I would think, with the exception of little ones The staff were both friendly and helpful and were grateful when we thanked them for such a wonderful afternoon there. Definitely would recommend!Visited February 2023Written 5 February 2023
- CesmeTravellerLondon, United Kingdom491 contributionsA worthwhile visit.This is a very good experience, even on a cloudy and windy day! The fort, itself, has a long history and this is really highlighted by the War Museum which charts its past and through to the island winning the George Cross during World War II. A great history lesson and a well-worthwhile visit! And only €10!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2023
- Chocky59West Midlands, United Kingdom343 contributionsFantastic value afternoon.Fantastic afternoon spent nearly 4 hours around. Had discount for older visitors too. Had visited the old War museum few times but this was not open previously. Clean and tidy all around. Very well put together with areas from The Siege, WWII all with great displays and information in English. Seating to rest in between areas. Lots of open places with few steps. Security guard was very helpful guiding us to a lift to help me avoiding steps. Toilet facilities too all very clean. Small gift shop at ticket office.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 March 2023
- Maps607331316837 contributionsNot as expectedThe historical info was ok but the exhibits were not numbered so it was difficult to see which was which. Fort St Angelo was better for the same price entry and there was more video info. It was good and worth a visit but did not spend as long there as Fort St Angelo. The anchors and chains at the entrance could have had information about their origins. There was a distinct lack of info on Fort St Elmo defences and little up to date information of the fort such as 3D imagery.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 April 2023
- Ellen8 contributionsA must see!Fascinating insight into Maltas military history packed with informative exhibits including Malta's George Cross, Eisenhowers jeep from Operation Husky and the legendary Faith. As well as insights into the people and stunning views! Well worth a visit.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2023
- Stephen NIlkley, United Kingdom6 contributionsUnderstanding MaltaOne of the best museums of its kind I’ve been to. The importance of Malta strategically through the centuries is clearly spelled out in remarkable displays illustrating events since prehistoric times. Presentation is thorough and even handed and the resilience of the people is correctly stressed. A visit here can only enhance your visit and give you a good understanding of a very small island which has had huge significance.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 May 2023
- DigdapBirmingham, United Kingdom304 contributionsInteresting and informativeVisited to try and learn more about the history of Malta. Could have done with a map to know where to go and how to pace ourselves. Information in the battery walls at the start gave good overview. We found that sone information was repeated once inside Rooms 1-6 so it was a bit difficult to identify new information. Room 7 had a film which was shown on the half hour and hour - wish we’d known before arriving at 13:04! Audio visuals very good. Lots to see and take in. Think we need another visit. We spent 2.5 hours there. Inside areas cool but very hot in the courtyards etc. Toilets dotted around the place and very clean.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2023
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4.5
3,078 reviews
Excellent
1,660
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301
Poor
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26
Daniel T
London, UK32 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A very interesting museum. I really liked how they wound the history of the Valetta and the fort around not only the wider history of Malta but also the major events happening around the world.
It was a bargain and well worth spending a few hours.
It really helped us understand Malta.
It was a bargain and well worth spending a few hours.
It really helped us understand Malta.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald R
Stromness, UK257 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The Fort does a good job of telling the story of Malta's military experiences and warfare through the ages. Lot s of good displays and information boards, don't miss section 7 after the cold wars talks. It tells the story of St Elmo's watchmen thro time,it seemed a fitting end.
We were lucky enough to visit on the Sunday and paid extra to see the Knights parade, is was very well done and well worth seeing as well as quite informative, well done to all those involved. We enjoyed the day and it was to us well worth the price we paid to enter, but we really like military history and forts and castles. The fort was god in itself but the parade was the icing on the cake.
We were lucky enough to visit on the Sunday and paid extra to see the Knights parade, is was very well done and well worth seeing as well as quite informative, well done to all those involved. We enjoyed the day and it was to us well worth the price we paid to enter, but we really like military history and forts and castles. The fort was god in itself but the parade was the icing on the cake.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neetpettit
54 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Interesting, well laid out. Really enjoyed it. Liked the parallel timeline display and the audio visual displays. Well worth the entry fee.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Reading, UK6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
The museum itself is very good focusing on Malta's extensive military history, whilst placing it in the wider geopolitical context. Don't miss the final audio visual section 7. It runs every half hour and requires a slight signposted detour from the exit route but is very well done.
On a clear sunny day (as I had) there is the significant bonus of outstanding views back towards Valletta, the Three Cities and the Mediterranean from the fort as you wonder round outside between the galleries. I was fortunate to be at the highest point just before sunset.
Its worth seeing the In-Guardia parade if there on one of the Sunday mornings it is on. You can get a combo ticket which is worth the price.
On a clear sunny day (as I had) there is the significant bonus of outstanding views back towards Valletta, the Three Cities and the Mediterranean from the fort as you wonder round outside between the galleries. I was fortunate to be at the highest point just before sunset.
Its worth seeing the In-Guardia parade if there on one of the Sunday mornings it is on. You can get a combo ticket which is worth the price.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nat
Shrewsbury, UK2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Excellent exhibition, hugely informative for all ages and nationalities and a great way to get to know about worldwide history through the ages.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Accacia
Flanders, Belgium60 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
As to be expected, this is a large site. The entrance is through a small unassuming building - look out for the red flags of Heritage Malta to locate it - only a stone's throw away from the ticket office of that other tourist attraction, 'The Malta Experience'.
Due to the size of the fort, it is difficult to obtain a good overview. Fortunately, the visitor route is well marked and everything is laid out in chronological order. Considering this is a historic site whose buildings were not designed to ever serve as exhibition spaces, the displayed items are often, by necessity, far too close together to appreciate them fully.
To get from one exhibition hall to another, you have to go outside each time. Bear in mind that the sun hits the site mercilessly, so do equip yourself with sunscreen and hat. Luckily, the air conditioning in the exhibition halls works fine. You can buy water at the entrance and in the museum café. The sanitary facilities are clean, as is generally the case everywhere in Valletta.
Is Fort St Elmo worth its € 10 entrance fee? That, of course, is something everyone must decide for themselves. We found the section on the Malta convoys in World War II especially strong. From the same era you will also see the Gloster Gladiator ‘Faith’ aircraft and the original George Cross bestowed on Malta.
As can regularly be observed at Heritage Malta sites and which is obviously a pity, many of the staff are rather apathetic with an uninterested 'it's a job' attitude.
Due to the size of the fort, it is difficult to obtain a good overview. Fortunately, the visitor route is well marked and everything is laid out in chronological order. Considering this is a historic site whose buildings were not designed to ever serve as exhibition spaces, the displayed items are often, by necessity, far too close together to appreciate them fully.
To get from one exhibition hall to another, you have to go outside each time. Bear in mind that the sun hits the site mercilessly, so do equip yourself with sunscreen and hat. Luckily, the air conditioning in the exhibition halls works fine. You can buy water at the entrance and in the museum café. The sanitary facilities are clean, as is generally the case everywhere in Valletta.
Is Fort St Elmo worth its € 10 entrance fee? That, of course, is something everyone must decide for themselves. We found the section on the Malta convoys in World War II especially strong. From the same era you will also see the Gloster Gladiator ‘Faith’ aircraft and the original George Cross bestowed on Malta.
As can regularly be observed at Heritage Malta sites and which is obviously a pity, many of the staff are rather apathetic with an uninterested 'it's a job' attitude.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn M
Penrith, UK30 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The museum takes you through all of maltas battles up to and including the 1st and 2nd World wars.
It is inside the Fort, which in itself played an important part in the story.
Don't miss the George Cross which was awarded to malta, it is after the battleship presentation.
It is inside the Fort, which in itself played an important part in the story.
Don't miss the George Cross which was awarded to malta, it is after the battleship presentation.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markymisfit
Chester, UK90 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This was a late addition to our day in Valetta so only had an hour and a half here and it deserves more time!
A well thought out, fascinating run through the military history of Malta and Gozo full of amazing insight and artefacts. From ancient civilisations to the present day - I challenge you to not get emotional about the epic voyage of the Ohio!
A must visit!
A well thought out, fascinating run through the military history of Malta and Gozo full of amazing insight and artefacts. From ancient civilisations to the present day - I challenge you to not get emotional about the epic voyage of the Ohio!
A must visit!
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Syd Williams.
8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A full day out of history ,plus the views of the harbour wall and across the Grand harbour were really good.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gemma K
17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
As a history buff and I also run a history TikTok account, as soon as I had the trip to Malta booked I researched Malta museums and found Fort St Elmo. I didn’t look into the museum too much as I like to think it can spoil the experience if you have seen everything before visiting
The fort itself is stunning, amazing views, a great walk around and the war museum is housed within the fort. The museum was fantastic, gave a real insight into Malta’s history. I am a big WW2 buff so this museum didn’t disappoint as its main focus is on both world wars. At only €10 for an adult ticket it’s an absolute bargain
Would recommend to anyone who would like to learn more about the islands history, well worth a visit!
The fort itself is stunning, amazing views, a great walk around and the war museum is housed within the fort. The museum was fantastic, gave a real insight into Malta’s history. I am a big WW2 buff so this museum didn’t disappoint as its main focus is on both world wars. At only €10 for an adult ticket it’s an absolute bargain
Would recommend to anyone who would like to learn more about the islands history, well worth a visit!
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LizaNTrevor
Melbourne, Australia1,318 contributions
Hi
Are you able to explore the site from the outside without having to go into the National War Museum?
Thank you.
Souli2013
Thessaloniki, Greece117 contributions
No, I am afraid you cannot! You have to enter, but it's worth it...
Caric74
Norwich, UK12 contributions
Can I buy the Multi site Valletta ticket at the museum or does it have to be online?
Do I need I.D. to prove I am a “senior “? I like to believe I don’t look my age.
Thank you
soso g
Dartford, UK267 contributions
I bought a Birgu senior ticket (3 sites for 9 euros). Just asked at the first one and they supplied the ticket so I assume Valletta will be the same. I took my passport but was never asked for proof once. Mind you I probably look older!! Enjoy your trip
MarkMahoney
Aldershot, UK1,823 contributions
Hello! Can you access the lower fort area on a visit? As seen in the movie 'Midnight Express'
peter b
Nacka, Sweden169 contributions
Hi Mark.
To get into the forts moat, do as follows. When you passed the duck area, follow the way up to the small gate, then you go down left towards to the officearea...follow the shore, it is a little bit rocky...but keep going on 100-200 meters, on right hand side you have an non official entrance through the stonewall, there you can go into the moat. There are an other way also, when you passes the small gate turn right, and follow it uphill via the path, when you are at uphills top, turn left and follow the steep side gently...go a few meters..you see a stonestaircase leading down or up, depends on which way you get in. Go down there, and you are in the moat. Down in the moat at the walls are small entrances in to the wall...you can go in there but you need a flashlight, because it is very dark. It was really interesting and fun, it as almost like an old adventure game called "Guild of Thieves" from 1987, you can this game on the net. Good luck.
Mark B
Muddiford, UK22 contributions
What are the circular pedestals in front of the fort?
Badfeeling2015
Edinburgh, UK91 contributions
You might be talking about the grain storage built by the knights.The tops are raised and circular. These were sealed granarys that were only openedwhen needed
OggieDee
Great Dunmow, UK204 contributions
Has it reopened yet or only Sunday's still?
Ryan Vella
Hal Ghaxaq, Malta1 contribution
Yes it is open to the public all year round thanks
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fort St Elmo - National War Museum
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