Chapter 445

In short

This law, called the Cultural Heritage Act, replaces an older law to manage, protect, and preserve cultural heritage in Malta. It covers both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage, on land and underwater.

What it regulates

• The superintendence, conservation, and management of cultural heritage in Malta.
• The establishment and functions of various entities related to cultural heritage.
• Provisions for financial matters and conservation professionals.
• Specific regulations for underwater cultural heritage and religious cultural heritage.

Who it concerns

• Anyone involved with movable or immovable objects of artistic, architectural, historical, archaeological, ethnographic, palaeontological, and geological importance in Malta.
• Professionals and entities involved in the conservation, restoration, and study of cultural heritage.

Key points

• An object is considered part of cultural heritage if it has existed in Malta or another country for 50 years, or if it is an object of cultural, artistic, historical, ethnographic, or scientific value.
• "Cultural heritage" includes archaeological sites, human remains, landscapes, underwater sites, buildings, scientific collections, manuscripts, and intangible assets like traditions and skills.
• "Underwater Cultural Heritage" refers to human traces with cultural, historical, or archaeological character that have been underwater for at least 50 years and are related to Malta.
• The law defines "conservation" as any activity to maximize endurance and minimize deterioration of cultural property, including examining, researching, testing, treating, recording, and preserving.