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Esplora Science Centre

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Esplora Science Centre (Malta)

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The Esplora Science Centre, located at Villa Bighi in Kalkara, is Malta's flagship interactive science and technology museum. The centre is housed within a former Royal Naval Hospital (Bighi Hospital), which played a crucial role for the British Mediterranean Fleet during the 19th century. Following an extensive renovation project, Esplora opened its doors in 2016 to promote interest in STEM subjects through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features over 200 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and various workshops dedicated to scientific experiments. The planetarium has a 10.7-meter dome and features immersive shows about space exploration and astronomy. From the centre's terrace, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Grand Harbour and the capital city of Valletta. Today, Esplora serves as a vital educational hub for schools and families, seamlessly blending historic architecture with modern science communication.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Esplora Science Centre is an interactive museum open to visitors. You can explore the indoor exhibition areas and the outdoor area with experiment stations.
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Typical hours
The centre typically has fixed hours, usually Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays. Hours may differ during school holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas but without flash to avoid disturbing experiments. Selfies are popular, but be mindful of other visitors.
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Time needed
Allow at least 2 hours to try all interactive stations. For families with children, half a day is recommended.
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Combine with
Esplora is in Vittoriosa, near the Three Cities. Combine with a boat trip in the harbour or the Malta at War Museum.
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Getting there
Vittoriosa is reachable by bus from Valletta (routes 1, 2, 3). The centre is in the former hospital building; parking is limited, use public transport.
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Insider tip
Book tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid waiting. The planetarium shows are a highlight and should be planned in.

Geography

Coordinates
35.89360, 14.52330

Facts

  • The centre was officially opened to the public in October 2016.
  • It is located on the grounds of the former Bighi Royal Naval Hospital.
  • The planetarium features 4K resolution for its immersive shows.
  • The facility contains more than 200 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits.
  • The renovation project cost approximately 26 million euros.
  • Villa Bighi, the main site, was originally constructed in 1832.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rinella Film StudiosRinella Film Studios<1 km · NEExplore →
St. Helen's GateSt. Helen's Gate2 km · SExplore →
FlorianaFloriana2 km · WExplore →
Tigné PointTigné Point2 km · NWExplore →
Emmanuel Delicata WinemakerEmmanuel Delicata Winemaker2 km · SWExplore →
Xgħajra PromenadeXgħajra Promenade2 km · EExplore →
Ta' XbiexTa' Xbiex3 km · WExplore →
TarxienTarxien3 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Esplora Science Centre (10)

Villa Bighi

Historic villa, open to the public.

Esplora🏛 museum

Interactive science centre, a museum for all ages.

🕒 Tu-Fr 09:30-16:00; Sa 10:30-05:00; Su 11:30-06:00

Rinella Bay

Bay in Malta, located along the coast.

Wreck of SS Margit

Wreck of a sunken ship, a popular diving site.

Il-Port il-Kbir

Natural harbour in Valletta, Malta, major port.

Fort Saint Angelo🏛 museum

Fortification on Malta, now a museum.

Fort Ricasoli🏰 castle

Fort in Malta, a historic fortification.

Auberge d'Auvergne et de Provence

Auberge in Birgu, historic building.

Auberge de Castille et Portugal

Auberge in Birgu, historic building.

The Norman House🏛 museum

Historic house, now a museum.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Esplora suitable for small children?
Yes, there is a dedicated area for children under 5 years old.
Is there a planetarium?
Yes, it features a state-of-the-art 4K planetarium.
What are the opening hours?
Usually 9:00 to 15:00 or 17:00; often closed on Mondays.
Is there a café there?
Yes, there is a café with views of the Grand Harbour.
How much time should I plan for?
At least 3 to 4 hours to try out all the experiments.
Esplora Science Centre: where is it located?
Esplora Science Centre is located in Malta.
Esplora Science Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Villa Bighi, Esplora, Rinella Bay.
Esplora Science Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Esplora Science Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Esplora Science Centre, located at Villa Bighi in Kalkara, is Malta's flagship interactive science and technology museum.
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Nearby cities

Floriana — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Floriana
Floriana is a fortified town and suburb of Valletta, known for its large squares, gardens, and historical granaries.
Tigné Point — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Tigné Point
A modern residential and commercial area on a peninsula.
Ta&#39; Xbiex — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Ta' Xbiex
Ta' Xbiex is a small town known for hosting many foreign embassies, its marinas, and its scenic seafront.
Tarxien — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Tarxien
Tarxien is famous for its megalithic temples, another key prehistoric complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Luqa — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Luqa
Luqa is best known for hosting the Malta International Airport, the country's main gateway to the world.
Qormi (Città Pinto) — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Qormi (Città Pinto)
Qormi is known as the 'bread city' of Malta, with a long history of baking that is still alive in its many bakeries today.
Pembroke — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Pembroke
Pembroke is Malta's newest town, known for its past as a British military base and its rocky coastline.
Mqabba — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Mqabba
Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.
Żebbuġ, Malta — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Żebbuġ, Malta
Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)
Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.
Żurrieq — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Żurrieq
Żurrieq is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for the Blue Grotto, the Xarolla Windmill, and its catacombs.

History & landmarks

Xgħajra Promenade — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Xgħajra Promenade
A quiet coastal promenade.
Żonqor Point — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Żonqor Point
The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.
The Sea Shell House — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
The Sea Shell House
A unique house with a facade completely covered in decorative sea shells.
Top of the World — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Top of the World
A popular viewpoint offering wide views over northern Malta.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.

Nature

Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.
Blue Grotto — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.

More places

Fort Ricasoli — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Fort Ricasoli
The largest fortress in Malta, frequently used as a filming location.
Rinella Film Studios — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Rinella Film Studios
A film studio with water tanks, used for many international film productions.
St. Helen&#39;s Gate — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
St. Helen's Gate
A grand ornamental gateway into the city of Cospicua.
Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker
Another of Malta's leading winemakers with a long history, hosting wine festivals.
GO p.l.c. Head Office — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
GO p.l.c. Head Office
The head office of the leading telecommunications provider in Malta.
St. Julian&#39;s Tower — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
St. Julian's Tower
A coastal watchtower repurposed as a restaurant.
Toly Products — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Toly Products
A leading manufacturer of luxury packaging for the cosmetics industry.
Mensija Sanctuary — Esplora Science Centre (Malta)
Mensija Sanctuary
A unique cave-church with a rich local legend.