The Mediterranean Conference Centre – Malta’s Business and Cultural Venue

The Mediterranean Conference Centre is undoubtedly firmly established as one of the most impressive conference centres in all of Europe. The Centre’s historic background and imposing architecture no doubt play a very important role in securing the position it enjoys today.

For over two centuries, the building that now houses the Mediterranean Conference Centre was the ‘Sacra Infermeria’ or Holy Infirmary of the Order of St. John. Constructed in the latter part of the 16th Century, this architectural landmark has had a fascinating history during which it was subject to various transformations as it changed to accommodate the needs of the day.

The building was fully restored in 1979 and converted into a modern conference centre which earned it the coveted ‘Europa Nostra’ Award for its ‘superb restoration’ and tasteful blending of ancient and modern.

The Mediterranean Conference Centre, with its special features, is truly unique. Away from the cluttered environment of high-rise meeting places and far from the din of endless traffic jams, the Mediterranean Conference Centre has all the benefits of ultra modern technology set in an oasis of historical tranquillity.

The Mediterranean Conference Centre boasts a total of ten halls over an area of 7,000 square metres. The halls vary in size and are therefore suitable for a range of events. The largest and most impressive, Republic Hall, seats 1,400 in theatre style whereas the smallest, La Cassiere caters for 60 persons.

Each meeting hall is equipped with its own independent sound, lighting and climate control. Conference facilities include permanent installations for simultaneous interpretation for up to six languages, ADSL as well as audio / visual equipment. The Centre can accommodate over 2,300 delegates in all the conference halls.

The impressive and imposing Republic Hall has been constructed in place of what once was the Main Courtyard of the ‘Sacra Infermeria’. Its large area, 728 square metres, is tastefully roofed over and has created Malta’s largest Auditorium. With a seating capacity of 1,400, this elegant theatre style hall is the largest in the Conference Centre. It is ideal for large-scale meetings or conferences and is equipped with theatre lighting and sound systems, audio/visual facilities as well as simultaneous interpretation for up to six languages.

In this hall old masonry and modern technology blend into perfection, the deep red theatre curtain and comfortable seating combined with yellowed old stone visible in the arches on the sides of the Auditorium create a warm and pleasing ambience.

It should not be amiss to be reminded that the Republic Hall, apart from its major role as a conference venue, can hold stage productions on a level which compares favourably with international productions held in some of the major theatres in the world.

This includes visits of such prestigious companies as the Teatro alla Scala of Milan, the Teatro San Carlo of Naples, the Ballet Nacional de Espagna, the Belgian Philharmonic Orchestra, the Georgia State Theatre for Opera and Ballet, the Bratislava Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Athens State Orchestra and many other companies which graced the Stage of the MCC, entertaining thousands of people.

At 155 metres in length, Dar Il-Wiri is the main exhibition hall of the Centre. This magnificent Hall is also regularly used for banqueting functions accommodating up to 1,500 persons comfortably seated, or over 2,500 for stand up cocktail receptions. It covers a total area of 1,700 square metres.

This hall was once the Long Ward of the ‘Sacra Infermeria’. It is one of the longest halls in Europe and was recognised as an architectural feat in the 16th century when it was constructed.

The La Valette Banqueting Hall is unique on the Island in many respects. With a seating capacity of about 900 persons it is the largest in Malta covering an area of about 1500 sq. metres. Its massive yet graceful vaulted ceiling is most impressive. Quaint 400 year – old frescos have been restored; candle torches, coat-of-arms of the Knights of Malta set the scene for formal dinners and elegant banquets.

The smallest and most intimate of all the halls at the Centre are the La Cassiere and the Girolamo Cassar Halls. These are mostly dedicated to catering activities and are suitable for executive lunches and dinners, perfect for special occasions and can seat a maximum of 60 persons. Both halls are also ideal for press conferences and small-scale meetings and seminars.

No matter what the size of the event being organised – from a small presentation to a large conference, a product launch or an exhibition, a convention or even a theatrical performance – the Mediterranean Conference Centre can cater for all your requirements.

It is, however, not the technology and the facilities alone that make a success of an occasion. The Mediterranean Conference Centre prides itself on the level of customer support service it offers through its dedicated and highly motivated staff.

The personal element, which adds the touch of quality to seal a memorable event, is very much in evidence. The comprehensive and detailed attention given to its clients has created a fine reputation.

Amongst our impressive list of clients are Texaco, Ford, Citroen, Mazda, ICI, IBM, Ericsson, Pfizer, Philips, Glaxo Wellcome, Air Liquide, Pharmacia, Janseen Cielac, Nortel, Tupperware, AstraZeneca, Baume & Mercier, Allianz HeBclub Tagung, ‘Summer University of Fujisawa’, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bolton Group as well as various United Nations agencies, the Council of Europe and Commonwealth organisations.

Further testimony to the Centre’s reputation and long experience, which stretches over twenty years, is its membership in international organisations such as the prestigious International Conference and Convention Association, ICCA, which is the world’s foremost association in the field, and the Historic Conference Centres of Europe, HCCE, a leading historic conference centre marketing alliance.

The new millennium has brought with it fresh and demanding challenges, which the Mediterranean Conference Centre is tackling with confidence. Its main aim was, and continues to be, to consolidate its status as a leader in the provision of conference and incentive services in Malta, Europe and the entire Mediterranean basin.

For further information, kindly contact:

Sales & Marketing Department
Tel: +356 22950 215 / 22950 209/ 22950 201
Website: http://www.mcc.com.mt