The Museum of the Order of St John

The unique and fascinating story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in eleventh century Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance, the international first aid charity.

What our visitors say

  • “When you feel the world is going mad, come here. You will see that for years and all over the world, some people care for others. Humanity is good. Thanks to all these people.”
  • "Lovely visit, my 5 year old son enjoyed the children's activity trail which we did together - very engaging, thank you!"
  • "Thank you to the kind man at reception who helped with Dad’s wheelchair! Great museum!"
  • "St John Ambulance saved my life on 1st March 2015 so I came here to learn more. Keep up the good work!"

News and events

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#Valletta2018, Late at the Gate

Thursday 25th October

6.00pm
Filmed in Malta: Gladiator

Celebrate the allure of the stunning natural beauty, magnificent architecture and historic landmarks of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino. Enjoy a glass of wine and Maltese delicacies, as you immerse yourself in the amazing locations showcased in these films.

We will be screening the legendary action epic, Gladiator. When a Roman General is betrayed, and his family murdered by an emperor’s corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.

Please visit Venture Cinema for further information, and to book tickets.

This film will have an interval.

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Order Gallery closure

We’re sorry to announce that the Order Gallery will be closed to the public on Monday 5th November for essential maintenance work. Our other galleries and displays will be open throughout the day as usual.

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#Valletta2018, Free Family Activity

Wednesday 24th October

12:30pm - 3:30pm
Lotions and Potions

Listen to our storyteller and discover the work of the Order’s apothecaries as you experiment with ingredients and create your own potion to take home!

Potion making is drop-in, storytelling begins at 1:30pm.

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#Valletta2018, Guided tour, Special Event

Thursday 18th October - Wednesday 24th October

6:00pm
Evening Guided Tour: A Mini-Break to Malta

Thursday 18th October, 6.00pm

Wednesday 24th October, 6.00pm

This exclusive evening tour will uncover the surprising story of Malta, home to the Knights of St John for over 250 years. Enjoy a glass of wine and an opportunity to explore our Museum galleries after hours, before travelling on a journey through Maltese history.

Learn how a group of crusading knights first came to the island, and discover the dramatic role that they played in the battle for control over the Mediterranean from the 16th-18th centuries.

This hour-long tour will include a chance to see many of the Museum’s Maltese treasures, including historic arms, fine furniture, rare coins, and maps not normally on public display.

 

The galleries will open from 6.00pm, and tour will begin at 6.30pm.

Tickets for this event cost £8.00 and must be purchased in advance here.

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Christmas closing times

The Museum will be shut for the festive season from Sunday 23rd December 2018 – Friday 4th January 2019.

Last day of opening: Saturday 22nd December 2018

Museum reopens: Saturday 5th January 2019

Guided tours will run as usual on both Saturdays.

 

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  • View of the interior of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Priory Church of the Order of St John. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the interior of the Crypt of the Priory Church of the Order of St John The Crypt. Photography by Shaun Le Gassick
  • View of the Link Gallery of the Museum of the Order of St John The Link Gallery. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Cloister Garden. © MOSJ
  • ALT= The Chapter Hall. © MOSJ

Blog

A black and white portrait photograph, half length, of a man with mostache in a uniform with hat and medals W.J. Church Brasier LDOSJ PHA427
Volunteering, Collection Highlights

'The Chief': W.J. Church Brasier (1856-1911)

Posted 3 October 2018
Museum of the Order of St John Katherine Emery, Collections Volunteer

In the collections of the Museum of the Order of St John is a group of medals awarded to W.J. Church Brasier. His vast array of 14 medals and insignia as well as 11 miniatures - totaling 25 medals and insignia overall - provide a physical... Read more

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Christ on a large cross. Two angels look down on him in prayer and symbol of the Order above him. Sculpture of the Crucifixion
Art, Conservation

Restoration of the Crucifixion Sculpture

Posted 3 October 2018
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

As you enter our Cloister Garden, you may have noticed the beautiful sculpture on the Eastern Wall depicting the Crucifixion. The sculpture presents Christ on the cross, surmounted by the Order’s eight-pointed cross on circular base, with angelic... Read more

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A Roman vessel with a slightly asymmetrical bell-shaped base and an everted lip. Blue-green in colour. A Roman vessel from collection LDOSJ 5528.
History, Volunteering, Collection Highlights

A Box of Roman Glass - A Journey into Physical Deduction

Posted 24 September 2018
Museum of the Order of St John Young-sam Winter, Collections Volunteer

This blog post is an account of the methods I used to approach the problem of how to learn about a group of objects for which you have no historical or contextual information. Through the study of the physical attributes of a selection of glassware I was able to talk about its likely use, methods of production and its status-level amongst other things. Read more

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Watercolour painting by Charles Brocktorff showing Malta from the sea View of Malta taken from the Sea, watercolour on paper, Charles Frederick de Brocktorff LDOSJ 1032
#Valletta2018, Wednesday Talks

Maltese crossings: British visitors to Malta in the 19th century

Posted 23 August 2018
Museum of the Order of St John Justin Bailey, Museum office assistant

In 1798 the Knights of the Order of St John were dramatically expelled from the island of Malta—their home for over 250 years—by Napoleon. Only two years later the French themselves were driven out, and Malta became a protectorate of the British... Read more

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History

100 Years of Film

Posted 16 August 2018
Museum of the Order of St John Isobel MacAuslan, Museum Assistant

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the introduction of film to St John Ambulance’s teaching repertoire. If you have been on one of St John’s First Aid Courses today, you will know that visual media is an important part of their teaching... Read more

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Sponsors

The Museum of the Order of St John would like to thank all those who have supported and continue to support its work. In particular, the Museum would like to thank the following for their generosity: