Good news: To celebrate the opening of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space, we’re offering you the chance to win a a private tour of the museum and a three-night stay at The Phoenicia Malta.

Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) is a significant new platform for art and culture – and the country’s first-ever museum dedicated to showing contemporary art.

Set to open at the end of October, this stunning new space occupies a historic site in the village of Floriana, at the restored Ospizio, a 17th-century fortress. It’s a short walk from Valetta, the centre of the capital city.

The 8,400 square-metre heritage site includes indoor gallery spaces, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a café – all fronting the picturesque Marsamxett Harbour.

Upon entering the main entrance located on the third level, visitors step into a large open atrium flooded by natural light from the floating glass roof above. All gallery spaces across the main three floors are oriented toward an expansive glass wall facing the sea, and the first, second and third floors provide gallery space for exhibitions. There is also a dedicated space for smaller, more experimental displays and interventions as well as onsite activities. The fourth floor includes a restaurant that offers direct access to an outdoor sculpture garden.

Malta Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition programme begins with visionary Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, with installations that focus on the domestic, presented alongside three major works which connect with the contemplative side of human existence – Tree of Life, The Garden of Eden and Valkyrie Mumbet.

In addition to Vasconcelos’ work, future exhibitions will feature works by Milton Avery and Reggie Burrows Hodges. Avery, a modern painter and master colourist who influenced past artists such as Barnett Newman and Mark Rothko, will be shown alongside a carefully selected group of contemporary artists that continue to be inspired by his approach to art. The painter Reggie Burrows Hodges will present a new exhibition of work, much of it created for the museum.

A short distance from Malta Contemporary is the landmark The Phoenicia Malta. Surrounded by gorgeous landscaped gardens, the hotel offers guests a little piece of paradise in Valetta. Located on the edge of the city’s 16th Century bastions, The Phoenicia Malta has long been regarded as a national treasure. Stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed their 5-star environs for over 75 years.