Sites of memory as museums : the case of Auberge d'Italie in Valletta

Abstract

This paper presents a biographical first-hand experience of the thinking, process, and conservation framework guiding the restoration of Auberge d'Italie and its adaptive use as a museum. Drawing from archival and secondary sources, the paper charts the history of Auberge d'Italie, with particular reference to its structural stability and the history, both known and as yet unknown, of conservation interventions, happening over the years. By defining the Auberge d'Italie a lieu de memoire, informed by Pierre Nora's concept, this paper subsequently illustrates the ways and means how theory, research and study informed some of the interventions carried out on site.