National War Museum - Fort St Elmo

Table of Contents

Introduction

The National War Museum at Fort Saint Elmo, nestled at the tip of Valletta’s Sciberras Peninsula in Malta, offers a compelling journey through over seven thousand years of military history. Perched between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, this iconic star-shaped fort now houses a museum that showcases Malta’s strategic role in historical conflicts—from prehistoric eras to modern times. A visit here promises not just artefacts but also breathtaking panoramic views and a deeply immersive experience.

About the Museum

Fort Saint Elmo was originally built in 1552 by the Knights of the Order of Saint John to defend Malta from Ottoman incursions, and became famous during the Great Siege of 1565. Over time, it evolved—receiving British artillery upgrades in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries—and played a crucial role in the island’s defence, including during the Second World War.

Since a major restoration completed in 2015, the fort’s lower section houses the National War Museum, designed to take visitors on a chronological journey through Malta’s military heritage. The museum is thoughtfully divided into seven sections. It begins with the Bronze Age and moves forward through medieval conflicts, the Great Siege, the two World Wars, and ends with Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004.

Visitors will encounter striking displays, including the only surviving fuselage of a Gloster Sea Gladiator fighter plane (N5520 “Faith”), the Willys Jeep nicknamed “Husky” used by Franklin D. Roosevelt (and also Dwight D. Eisenhower) while in Malta, and the actual George Cross awarded to the island by King George VI in 1942. The museum also houses a War Memorial hall containing medals and honours recognising acts of bravery, plus a variety of weapons, photographic panels, interactive audio-visual displays, and relics of civilian hardship during the air bombardments of World War II.

The experience extends beyond the museum’s interior. Fort Saint Elmo’s grounds feature two chapels dedicated to Saint Anne—one medieval and one baroque—and historic military architecture such as bastions, underground granaries with visible stone lids, the Harbour Fire Command complex, and parade grounds.

Interesting Facts

Seven thousand years of military history are covered, from the Bronze Age (~2500 BCE) to 2004.
The museum is arranged into seven chronological sections, blending photographs, audio‑visual presentations, medals, uniforms, and relics of war.
“Faith”, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520, is the only survivor of the famed Hal Far Fighter Flight.
“Husky”, the Jeep used by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, is displayed, illustrating Malta’s key wartime role.
The actual George Cross medal, awarded in April 1942, is exhibited alongside original paperwork.
The Chapel of Saint Anne, dated to the mid‑15th century, is the oldest surviving structure on the peninsula and served as the site of the defenders’ last stand during the Great Siege.
Fort Saint Elmo endured the Mediterranean’s first air raid in June 1940 and withstood seaborne attacks throughout World War II.
Extensive restoration, completed in 2015, revived both the Upper and Lower fortifications, including the Northwest Harbour Fire Command rooms, now open to the public.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +3562 123 3088

Website: heritagemalta.mt/explore/fort-st-elmo-national-war-museum/

Facebook: facebook.com/HeritageMalta/

Conclusion

The National War Museum at Fort Saint Elmo goes beyond chronological exhibition—it offers an immersive encounter with Malta’s resilience, bravery, and historical importance. From ancient battle relics to triumphs of aerial defence, every corner tells a story. Visitors wander through over seven thousand years of conflict and courage, culminating in the striking visual presence of the Gladiator plane, Roosevelt’s Jeep, and the prestigious George Cross medal.

The museum’s setting within a beautifully restored star fort overlooking Malta’s two principal harbours adds to the experience, while chapels, granaries, bastions and command rooms give a full sense of context. Whether one is a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, Fort Saint Elmo and its National War Museum deliver a profoundly moving, educational, and visually stunning outing that honours Malta’s steadfast spirit across the centuries.