The main aims of the International Institute for Baroque Studies include:

• The promotion of interdisciplinary, academic studies on various aspects of Baroque culture by serving as a focal center for both local and foreign scholars involved in primary source research on various aspects of Baroque culture, enabling them to disseminate their work among both fellow academics and the general public;

• The organisation of seminars, public lectures, exhibitions, photographic competitions and other activities leading to a greater appreciation of the Baroque heritage, with particular reference to Malta.

• The establishment of a network of similar centres for Baroque studies overseas.

• The formation of a research resource centre on Baroque art and architecture, including a data base and reference index of existing publications on the Baroque Europe with special emphasis on Baroque in Malta.

• The provision of consultancy services with respect to the conservation of the Baroque heritage of the Maltese islands.
  
  

The International Institute for Baroque Studies has been since 1996 engaged in research projects involving primary source investigation of archival material in local/overseas institutions, and focusing on (1) Baroque art and architecture (2) Military architecture in the Baroque age and (3) the conservation of the Baroque heritage.

These archival investigations are reflected in the past and current publications of the Institute which also participates regularly in international fora to disseminate new knowledge that would have been identified to as wide an audience as possible. The International Institute for Baroque Studies is also currently engaged in organising Certificate, Diploma, B.A.(Hons.), and M.A. courses on Baroque culture and short courses on the Baroque heritage of Malta and its conservation.  The Institute is also giving assistance to various bodies concerned with the restoration of Baroque buildings and artifacts.  A Baroque Routes newsletter is also published by the Institute on behalf of the Baroque Routes network of the Council of Europe.

The International Institute for Baroque Studies has carried out a number of consultancies concerning the conservation of the Baroque heritage of Malta.  Among the principal consultancies one can mention two reports for the conservation of Romano Carapecchia's Chapelle Ardente in the former Conventual church of St. John in Valletta and for the restoration of Mattia Preti's Sarria church in Floriana and the drawing up of a masterplan for Valletta.