FiftySix Design Talks: Memory, Museums, & Meaning

What makes a museum feel alive? Is it the stories it tells or the way it connects the past with the present? In this FiftySix Design Talk, we’re diving headfirst into the world of heritage and museum design, exploring how spaces rooted in history can feel timeless yet relevant. Whether it’s breathing new life into ancient masonry or rethinking how we present our collective stories, this session is all about balancing the old and the new.

David Zahra

David Zahra: Guardianship of Malta’s Heritage

David Zahra is a leading figure in the preservation of Malta’s most treasured historical sites. As Head of Projects at Heritage Malta since 2011, he has overseen the transformation of iconic landmarks into thriving museum spaces. His work includes major projects like the Grand Masters Palace Regeneration, Fort St Angelo, and St Paul’s Catacombs, where heritage is not just conserved but made accessible and engaging. With an academic foundation in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Malta and a Master’s degree in Conservation Technology for Masonry Buildings, David bridges the past and present through meticulous care and visionary coordination.

Guillaume Dreyfuss

Guillaume Dreyfuss: Rethinking Museums for Tomorrow

Guillaume Dreyfuss, Exhibition Manager at MICAS, brings a unique perspective to museum design and sustainable heritage. With a background in Art History and a Master in Mediterranean Heritage, he went on to complete an MSc in Built Environment, Sustainable Heritage from University College London. Guillaume’s career has woven together research and practice, previously serving as Director of Research at AP Valletta. His editorial contributions include The Founding Myths of Architecture and The Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Heritage.

Join the Conversation Dive into the dialogue at FiftySix Design Talk on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, at Friggieri Hall, Valletta Design Cluster. Discover how design thinking is shaping the future of museum spaces and heritage preservation. The event will explore how museums can act as both custodians of the past and storytellers of the present, blending conservation with creativity to keep heritage alive and engaging. Whether you’re an architect, designer, historian, or just passionate about culture, this talk promises to challenge perspectives and spark new ideas on how we approach heritage in modern spaces.

FiftySix Design Talks is an exciting collaboration between The Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster. This dynamic partnership brings together artists, designers, and innovators for a series of talks that explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in design. It’s a space where time-honored crafts meet contemporary ideas, all hosted within the historic walls of Valletta.

Connect & Inspire:

After the talks, stay for a mingle session. Connect with fellow creatives, share ideas, and get inspired over a glass of wine in the stunning surroundings of Valletta.