The Caravaggio Center was inaugurated within the St. John’s Concathedral with a total investment of more than €2.1 million with co-financing from European funds.
The aim of this Center is for visitors to discover more about the renowned artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and to be able to further explore his revolutionary techniques, the life he lived, and his lasting artistic legacy.
The Center will offer a rare opportunity to view Caravaggio’s works up close, providing visitors with an interactive and informative experience. This additional area is being offered as complimentary entry with the entry ticket.
During the inauguration, the Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici pointed out how the masterpieces of this renowned artist and his innovative works continue to inspire numerous audiences around the world. He also explained that this is an educational and interactive center full of wonderful information.
Minister Bonnici explained that the fact that this additional area will be offered as complimentary entry with the same entry ticket means that the wonderful experience that one goes through when visiting this area will be enhanced. an architectural jewel. He said that this project was important to do not only for our country, but for European art as a whole because Caravaggio’s works are a wonderful expression of European creativity.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna said that the aim of the Caravaggio Center goes beyond the aesthetic value because in addition to showing the greatness of the artist, this project is a way for art to lead to the path of truth and goodness. He reflected on Caravaggio’s complex personality and emphasized the enduring relevance of his art in today’s world.
“In the Beheading of St. John the Baptist we see the tragedy of when arrogance and abuse of power leave innocent victims. This Caravaggio painting is a monument to the tragedy of humanity. In it we see what is currently happening in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, in Sudan, and in many other places of the world”. Archbishop Scicluna wished that this project would lead to leave in the visitors the desire for change for the good.
The President of the Foundation Glenn Micallef said, “This investment is the prime example of the work that this Foundation is doing to improve the experience of those who visit San Gwann. A project that is one of the many that we are carrying out – that will continue to make this Con-Cathedral, a place that makes us proud all over the world.”
The Caravaggio Center will be divided as follows: First floor: ‘Face to Face’ is an area where visitors can learn all about ‘The Beheading’. The life-size projections bring the visitor face to face with all the important details of the painting, which are often overlooked due to the confines of the Oratory.
The ground floor, then, provides another attraction space for another Caravaggio painting – ‘St Jerome Writing’ as well as interactive exhibitions that provide information related to the history of the painting and focus on the educational aspect. On the same level ‘Meet Caravaggio’ is an audiovisual area that gives a narrative about the life, career, and artistic achievements of the artist of Caravaggio and his artistic production during his stay in Malta. In this area, the visitor will be able to enjoy the visual projections in an informative way.
The scientific section will provide the opportunity to understand the artist’s creative process, but also the vicissitudes that painting has undergone over the centuries thanks to the help of non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as Infrared Reflectography, UV lights and Infrared Reflectography.
During the news conference it was also announced that the work on the clock room, which dates back to 1584, of the St. John’s Co-cathedral has been completed and this after work carried out by the Foundation’s workers. The public can follow closely how this clock works that dominates the front of the Co-Cathedral as well as the South Bell Tower.
For more information, you can visit – www.stjohnscocathedral.com
