Il-Hagar | Heart of Gozo Museum in Victoria, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a programme of events planned to mark this special occasion.

The first temporary exhibition in 2023 will in fact be – The first 10 years: Il-Hagar Bequests and Donations, to be opened formally on the 11th of February and will stay open until the 19th of March.

The museum was officially inaugurated on the 23rd if February 2013, by then Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and blessed by Bishop (now Cardinal) Mario Grech.

The museum said that the progress over these ten years “has been more than satisfactory, despite quite a few obstacles – not least Covid restrictions.”

It explained that support has been forthcoming from institutions and individuals, many offering hours of voluntary help. Numerous artists and others have donated works to add strongly – in both quantity and quality – to this cultural centre’s collection, permanent and reserve.

The first 10 years: Il-Hagar Bequests and Donations exhibition – will be distributed over all the different levels, the huge range of artefacts, number around 100, will serve as “tangible proof of the management’s efforts and wide contacts. Even a partial list of artists represented is incredible,” the museum said.

These included: Mario Agius, Victor Agius, Vincent Apap, Christine Agopian, Bill Armstrong, Franco Maria Bedini, Alessandro Bergamini, Debbie Bonello, Andrew Borg, Celia Borg Cardona, John Martin Borg, Mario Caffaro Rore, Alfred Camilleri Cauchi, Austin Camilleri, Bob Cardona, Mario Cassar, Shawn Cauchi, Joseph Chetcuti, Norma Cili, Walter Coccetta, Giambattista Conti, Savio Deguara, Damian Ebejer, Richard England, Josette Fenech, Gianfranco Ferroni, Aaron Formosa, Rachel Galea, Isabelle Gavoty-Ravanas, Maria Grech, John Grima, Graham Gurr, Paul Haber, Luciano Micallef, Savio Mizzi, Toni Mizzi, Sergio Moruzzi, Sue Nightingale, Mark Sagona, Patricia Sant, George Scicluna, Paul Stellini, Joe Vassallo, Tommaso Vecchi, Ramon Vella Bamber, James Vella Clark and Francis Webb.

The museum added that many of these 2- and 3-D works were offered by the individual artists themselves after using these “attractive spaces.”

All the artefacts will be illustrated in full colour in Il-Hagar GEMS 23 to be published before the end of this event.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. There is no entrance fee, however “donations are gratefully accepted.”

Tours around all the halls can be organised by emailing info@heartofgozo.org.mt

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