Museum remains – The Malta Railway

Museum (Mtarfa)

Preservation secured

Many photos survive of Museum station, more than any other on the line. Its location below the ancient walls of Mdina gave it a picturesque backdrop and its proximity to the British army barracks at Mtarfa guaranteed the popularity of postcard views; soldiers billeted there were keen to share a flavour of their stay with relatives back home.

Now a protected monument, Museum station and Gheriexem Bridge are some of the railway best preserved and most evocative survivals.

Looking down from the station approach, the building, embankment, and Gheriexem bridge align across the valley below Mdina

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Museum station entrance front. Saved by reuse as a restaurant restoration was not without alteration and the window cills on the far half of the facade have been dropped from their original level.

Mdina tunnel mouth looking back from the station

Despite some settlement, cracking, and later structural interventions the tunnel portal survives. The date stone is partially hidden by the tree sprouting from the keystone

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The station canopy survives above the distracting restaurant clutter that now blocks the view of the tunnel beyond. The huge Norfolk Island Pine can be seen in its juvenile state in the earlier view.

The centrepiece of the station gardens was the pool and fountain at the main entrance. Gratifyingly, it survives today as a traffic island and planter.

The approach to the station is today is encroached upon by wild vegetation, survivals of the original planting.

The same view as originally designed and laid out by Nicola Buhagiar.

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The original platform canopy structure has been joined by modern restaurant structures. It shows distinct differences in design from the other canopies on the railway.

In the field in front of the station are broken stones, possibly remnants of the former Coronation Bar. A reservoir tank also dates to the railway era.

The neat boundary of the station has been eroded by highways changes and property transfers since closure.

The Gheriexem Bridge retains its majesty. Reused now as a road bridge, it’s maintenance and protection seem secured.

Notabile remains

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