Malta ’ s MCC : Where heritage meets technology
IN THE FIRST IN A NEW SERIES LOOKING AT UNIQUE EXAMPLES OF VENUE ARCHITECTURE AROUND THE WORLD , PAUL COLSTON VISITS MALTA AND THE STRIKING MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE , A BUILDING FIRST BUILT AS A HOSPITAL NEARLY 500 YEARS AGO
alta has many imposing buildings , but the former Sacra Infermeria hospital built by the Knights of St John is one of the most striking . Today , its architectural heir is the modern day Mediterranean Conference Centre which stands proud on the same spot above the fortress city of Valletta , overlooking the Grand Harbour .
Work on this vast edifice started in 1574 during the reign of Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere and it has been extended several times over the centuries . This hall , measuring 155 metres in length , was at that time one of the largest in Europe and considered one of the grandest interiors in the world . The Sacra Infermeria could accommodate 914 patients .
In 1676 Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner founded the School of Anatomy and Surgery at the Infirmary - the forerunner of the Medical School of the University of Malta .
During British Rule , the centre served as a Station Hospital .
The Infirmary ’ s Hall was turned into a Police Headquarters from 1918 till 1940 and , during World War II , the building received four direct hits .
After the war it was briefly used as an entertainment centre and children ’ s theatre and then as a school and examination hall from 1959 .
There were several attempts at restoration before a comprehensive reconstruction in 1978 , when it became the Mediterranean Conference Centre ( MCC ).
The Centre was inaugurated on the 11 February 1979 , and was awarded the Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit for the “ superb restoration of the Sacra
Infermeria and its adaption for use as a conference centre ” and blending of the fine old architecture with modern technology .
A building steeped in history embarked on its new career as a venue for all manner of events and an ongoing maintenance programme has kept the unique historical character of this national monument , while providing a modern venue able to handle major international conferences , exhibitions , banquets and theatrical events .
The MCC is versatile and a rare example in the region of a heritage building functioning to the exacting demands of the 21st century . The MCC is a member of the prestigious Historic Conference Centres of Europe ( HCCE ). It is also one of Europe ’ s largest conference centres within a historical setting .
The location could not be better , with the MCC just a few minutes from the airport and near to many hotels .
Its capacity is large – a total area of over 7,000sqm and with a 2,300-delegate capacity . The kitchens and catering partners mean the Centre has the capability to provide up to 4,000 covers a day .
Of course , Covid has limited capacities but the facilities are now open again and from 15 August able to host up to 500 delegate guests .
The Samsung Forum in 2020 was the last major event before the pandemic and that showed off the venue in some style , bringing in 3,200 delegates as the MCC was transformed over 11 days for a rolling event and product showcase .
The main auditorium , Republic Hall , seats 1,400 in theatre style , the elegant and unique La Valette Hall offers an imposing banqueting venue option for up to 900 , and there are many individuallystyled smaller halls suited for receptions and smaller events .
For me , the outstanding USP is to be found up on the roof where a stupendous wrap-around terrace offers event reception options with a view to die for over the Grand Harbour .
50 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 114