The Opulent Hall offers visitors a rich and immersive journey through artworks and artifacts spanning different periods and origins.

Among the most remarkable highlights are the 15th-century Choir Stalls, completed in 1490. A portion of these stalls has been expertly restored and carefully reconstructed, allowing visitors to better understand their original function. Once scattered and dismantled, the pieces have been thoughtfully reassembled to enhance their clarity and presentation.

Part of the gallery is dedicated to the Caravaggisti, featuring notable artists such as Minniti, Ribera, and Caracciolo, alongside works by Northern European painters that add further depth and diversity to the collection.

Visitors can also admire Italian paintings from the 18th century, including works by Mattia Preti and his followers. Adjacent to the main hall, a smaller space presents a collection of still life paintings, offering a more intimate glimpse into everyday life and domestic scenes.

A large installation is devoted to the Old Mediaeval Cathedral organ loft. These elements have been meticulously restored and reassembled after being dispersed over time. Together, they recreate the grandeur of the original 1601 masterpiece, which suffered severe damage during the devastating earthquake of 1693.

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Gallery Highlights

Choir stalls — Mdina Cathedral Museum, Malta

Choir Stalls

Choir Stalls - Dating to 1490, these medieval choir stalls are Malta’s oldest furniture. Once in Mdina Cathedral, they were later reassembled, offering a rare glimpse into the island’s pre-Renaissance liturgical heritage.
Ecce home — Mdina Cathedral Museum, Malta

Ecce Homo

Mario Minniti’s 1625 Ecce Homo depicts Christ crowned with thorns, using dramatic chiaroscuro inspired by Caravaggio. Linked to Malta, it reflects both Caravaggesque intensity and Northern influences.
St Sebastian Theodore Rombouts — Mdina Cathedral Museum, Malta

St Sebastian

A depiction of St Sebastian by Theodore Rombouts shows the saint as an idealised, youthful figure, emphasising physical beauty and serene dignity over the violence of his martyrdom. Rombouts combines dramatic lighting with restrained emotion to create a refined Flemish Baroque interpretation of the subject.