Malta’s Cultural Legacy: A Journey Beneath the Sea and Beyond
Malta’s heritage is as diverse as it is ancient, with many of its most fascinating stories hidden beneath the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s seabed is littered with remnants from both ancient and modern times, offering a glimpse into Malta’s past that few places in the world can replicate.
One of the most immersive experiences at this year’s festival is Heritage Malta’s "Dive into History 360"— a virtual reality tour of underwater archaeological sites around Malta and Gozo. Using cutting-edge VR technology, visitors can explore shipwrecks dating back to the Phoenicians, over 2,700 years ago, as well as a WWII aircraft that met a watery fate. This unique virtual dive highlights how Malta’s seabed serves as an underwater museum, preserving historical artifacts that tell stories of conquest, war, and survival.
In addition to Malta’s underwater heritage, the Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant (Eastern Regional Council) has joined forces with Virtual Malta to bring the island’s rich history to a broader audience through immersive, virtual tours of historical landmarks. Virtual Malta, a platform dedicated to digitally preserving and promoting Maltese heritage, offers high-definition virtual experiences that allow users to explore some of the country’s most significant cultural sites.
Focused on key landmarks in the Eastern region, such as forts, cathedrals, and prehistoric temples, these tours combine 3D mapping, detailed commentary, and historical context to provide an engaging, educational experience. Supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, the project aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of the island’s history while also promoting sustainable tourism by reducing the physical impact on these delicate sites.
Edward Duca, festival coordinator, highlights the importance of this initiative: "With the help of platforms like Virtual Malta, we’re able to bring history to life for people of all ages. It’s not just about visiting a site anymore; it’s about engaging with its story in an interactive, meaningful way. The virtual tours developed by Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant and Virtual Malta offer a modern approach to appreciating Malta’s rich heritage, and we’re excited to showcase them at the festival."
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Another example of cultural heritage embracing modern science and technology at the Festival is the MEGALITH Project, which uses advanced computer simulations and artificial intelligence to predict the long-term degradation of the island’s ancient structures, such as the famous Mnajdra Temples. By employing AI and simulations, the project offers invaluable insights into how the environment will impact these historic sites. The results could shape future conservation efforts, not only in Malta but globally, especially as the world grapples with climate change’s impact on heritage sites.
You can visit their stand at Triton Fountain and learn more on 27 September – The application of AI to heritage preservation is a shining example of how science can work hand-in-hand with culture to protect the stories of the past for future generations.
The Power of Art and Cultural Collaboration
At Betapsi’s Cultural Mosaic Art Booth, visitors are invited to create artwork inspired by global cultures, symbolizing the rich tapestry of human experience. Children will collaborate to craft a collective mosaic, celebrating unity, teamwork, and the beauty of diversity. This interactive project sparks creativity while fostering conversations around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.), underscoring the cultural values that Malta upholds in its modern identity.
The theme of collaboration continues with the Boo Recaccia dance performance, where rhythm, movement, and mathematics converge to highlight the power of human connection. This vibrant expression of cultural unity demonstrates how individuals from different backgrounds can come together to create something unique, reflecting Malta’s longstanding tradition of cross-cultural exchange.
When Science Meets Culture: The Art of DNA
The festival also pushes the boundaries of cultural expression by blending science and art in ground breaking ways. In "Ripped Genes: DNA Rhythms", jazz musician Diccon Cooper and geneticist Prof. Joseph Borg translate DNA sequences into music, transforming the very building blocks of life into captivating melodies. This innovative performance bridges the gap between science and culture, showcasing how deeply intertwined our scientific discoveries are with artistic expression—a reflection of Malta’s ability to marry tradition with innovation.
For those intrigued by the intersection of science, culture, and art, Britain-based Braintastic! Science presents "Am I Normal?", a creative workshop that uses art to explore the vast diversity of the human population. Participants engage with concepts of genetics, statistics, and evolution, challenging societal notions of ‘normality’ while celebrating the unique qualities that make up culture.
Looking Ahead
The Festival of Science and Arts in Malta is not just about celebrating the island’s scientific research—it’s also about imagining how our culture can inspire future innovation. As festival coordinator Edward Duca explains: "At Science in the City, we intentionally blur the lines between art, science, and culture. These fields might seem separate at first glance, but in reality, they all connect. By offering events like virtual archaeological dives and DNA-based music performances, we’re encouraging people to see how culture can guide us in the ways we decide to innovate the world around us.”
As Malta continues to evolve, the festival offers a glimpse of how this unique blend of ancient culture, scientific discovery, and artistic expression will help shape the island’s future. Visitors, whether young or old, are invited to immerse themselves in this unforgettable celebration of science and creativity.
For more information on events, venues, and ticket bookings, visit the festival’s official .
Co-Funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. Grant Agreement No 101162176. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. It Is recognised by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).
The consortium is led by the University of Malta and the , in partnership with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Arts Council Malta, Malta Enterprise, Life Sciences Park, Institute for Methods Innovation, Esplora, APS Bank, , PBS, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, The Bio Arte Limited, Queen Mary University of London, SEM, European Parliament, La Roche Posay, Green Pak, AquaBioTech Group, MCAST, Mighty Boards, MED-WET, Piscopo Gardens, Trust Stamp Ltd., Storm Design, Tech MT and the Floriana and Valletta Local Councils.
More information about Exploring the Fusion of Science, Arts, and Culture: Science is available on our various Social media pages, namely, , , , , , and .
Malta’s heritage is as diverse as it is ancient, with many of its most fascinating stories hidden beneath the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s seabed is littered with remnants from both ancient and modern times, offering a glimpse into Malta’s past that few places in the world can replicate.
One of the most immersive experiences at this year’s festival is Heritage Malta’s "Dive into History 360"— a virtual reality tour of underwater archaeological sites around Malta and Gozo. Using cutting-edge VR technology, visitors can explore shipwrecks dating back to the Phoenicians, over 2,700 years ago, as well as a WWII aircraft that met a watery fate. This unique virtual dive highlights how Malta’s seabed serves as an underwater museum, preserving historical artifacts that tell stories of conquest, war, and survival.
In addition to Malta’s underwater heritage, the Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant (Eastern Regional Council) has joined forces with Virtual Malta to bring the island’s rich history to a broader audience through immersive, virtual tours of historical landmarks. Virtual Malta, a platform dedicated to digitally preserving and promoting Maltese heritage, offers high-definition virtual experiences that allow users to explore some of the country’s most significant cultural sites.
Focused on key landmarks in the Eastern region, such as forts, cathedrals, and prehistoric temples, these tours combine 3D mapping, detailed commentary, and historical context to provide an engaging, educational experience. Supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, the project aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of the island’s history while also promoting sustainable tourism by reducing the physical impact on these delicate sites.
Edward Duca, festival coordinator, highlights the importance of this initiative: "With the help of platforms like Virtual Malta, we’re able to bring history to life for people of all ages. It’s not just about visiting a site anymore; it’s about engaging with its story in an interactive, meaningful way. The virtual tours developed by Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant and Virtual Malta offer a modern approach to appreciating Malta’s rich heritage, and we’re excited to showcase them at the festival."
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Another example of cultural heritage embracing modern science and technology at the Festival is the MEGALITH Project, which uses advanced computer simulations and artificial intelligence to predict the long-term degradation of the island’s ancient structures, such as the famous Mnajdra Temples. By employing AI and simulations, the project offers invaluable insights into how the environment will impact these historic sites. The results could shape future conservation efforts, not only in Malta but globally, especially as the world grapples with climate change’s impact on heritage sites.
You can visit their stand at Triton Fountain and learn more on 27 September – The application of AI to heritage preservation is a shining example of how science can work hand-in-hand with culture to protect the stories of the past for future generations.
The Power of Art and Cultural Collaboration
At Betapsi’s Cultural Mosaic Art Booth, visitors are invited to create artwork inspired by global cultures, symbolizing the rich tapestry of human experience. Children will collaborate to craft a collective mosaic, celebrating unity, teamwork, and the beauty of diversity. This interactive project sparks creativity while fostering conversations around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.), underscoring the cultural values that Malta upholds in its modern identity.
The theme of collaboration continues with the Boo Recaccia dance performance, where rhythm, movement, and mathematics converge to highlight the power of human connection. This vibrant expression of cultural unity demonstrates how individuals from different backgrounds can come together to create something unique, reflecting Malta’s longstanding tradition of cross-cultural exchange.
When Science Meets Culture: The Art of DNA
The festival also pushes the boundaries of cultural expression by blending science and art in ground breaking ways. In "Ripped Genes: DNA Rhythms", jazz musician Diccon Cooper and geneticist Prof. Joseph Borg translate DNA sequences into music, transforming the very building blocks of life into captivating melodies. This innovative performance bridges the gap between science and culture, showcasing how deeply intertwined our scientific discoveries are with artistic expression—a reflection of Malta’s ability to marry tradition with innovation.
For those intrigued by the intersection of science, culture, and art, Britain-based Braintastic! Science presents "Am I Normal?", a creative workshop that uses art to explore the vast diversity of the human population. Participants engage with concepts of genetics, statistics, and evolution, challenging societal notions of ‘normality’ while celebrating the unique qualities that make up culture.
Looking Ahead
The Festival of Science and Arts in Malta is not just about celebrating the island’s scientific research—it’s also about imagining how our culture can inspire future innovation. As festival coordinator Edward Duca explains: "At Science in the City, we intentionally blur the lines between art, science, and culture. These fields might seem separate at first glance, but in reality, they all connect. By offering events like virtual archaeological dives and DNA-based music performances, we’re encouraging people to see how culture can guide us in the ways we decide to innovate the world around us.”
As Malta continues to evolve, the festival offers a glimpse of how this unique blend of ancient culture, scientific discovery, and artistic expression will help shape the island’s future. Visitors, whether young or old, are invited to immerse themselves in this unforgettable celebration of science and creativity.
For more information on events, venues, and ticket bookings, visit the festival’s official .
Co-Funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. Grant Agreement No 101162176. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. It Is recognised by Europe for Festivals and Festivals for Europe (EFFE).
The consortium is led by the University of Malta and the , in partnership with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Arts Council Malta, Malta Enterprise, Life Sciences Park, Institute for Methods Innovation, Esplora, APS Bank, , PBS, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Design Cluster, Valletta Cultural Agency, The Bio Arte Limited, Queen Mary University of London, SEM, European Parliament, La Roche Posay, Green Pak, AquaBioTech Group, MCAST, Mighty Boards, MED-WET, Piscopo Gardens, Trust Stamp Ltd., Storm Design, Tech MT and the Floriana and Valletta Local Councils.
More information about Exploring the Fusion of Science, Arts, and Culture: Science is available on our various Social media pages, namely, , , , , , and .
