Malta’s Main Attraction

The Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), situated on the periphery of the historical city of Valletta overlooking the Grand Harbour, is recognised as one of the most impressive conference centres in the whole of Europe. The Centre’s historic background and magnificent architecture play an important role in securing and maintaining the position it enjoys in the MICE industry today. For over two centuries, the building that now houses the MCC was the Sacra Infermeria or the 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.

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’. Refined style and clever architectural design allow the ancient and modern to blend with ease, a feat that many other buildings often misjudge, ensuring that the MCC is breathtakingly beautiful and ready to host. This coupled with its sheer size and scale makes it a striking and sought after conference and events venue.

The MCC is elegant, unique and has long been one of Valletta’s most remarkable landmarks. Set apart from the cluttered environment of high-rise meeting places and distanced from the din of endless traffic jams, the MCC enjoys all the benefits of modern technology combined with an oasis of historical tranquility, providing the perfect balance. Offering a total of ten halls and nine syndicate rooms, varying in size over an area of 7,000 square metres, the Centre caters for a variety of events, budgets and tastes.

“The MCC has remarkable spaces, including the largest and most impressive room, the Republic Hall, which covers 728 square metres and seats up to 1,400 in theatre style”

The MCC has remarkable spaces, including the largest and most impressive room, the Republic Hall, which covers 728 square metres and seats up to 1,400 in theatre style. It is tastefully roofed over, creating Malta’s largest auditorium. This remarkable hall has been constructed in place of what once was the main courtyard of the ‘Sacra Infermeria’, where old masonry and modern technology blend seamlessly, offering the best of both worlds for a large conference or event. The deep red theatre curtain and comfortable seating, combined with the yellowed old stone visible in the arches on the sides of the auditorium, create a warm and inviting ambience for delegates and guests. While an amazing venue for business events, the Republic Hall isn’t pigeonholed to cater only for conferences.

It can hold creative stage productions, entertaining thousands of people on a level which compares favourably with international productions held in some of the major theatres in the world. Appointments from prestigious companies such 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 and the Athens State Orchestra, pay homage to this versatile space.

In contrast, the smallest and most intimate of all the halls 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 up to 60 people. Both halls are also ideal for press conferences and small-scale meetings, seminars and workshops. Alternatively, the ‘Sacra Infermeria’ is the main exhibition hall at the Centre, and is 155 metres long, covering a total area of 1,700 square metres.

This magnificent hall is regularly used for banqueting functions, accommodating up to 1,500 comfortably seated or over 2,500 for stand up cocktail receptions. This hall was once the Long Ward of the ‘Sacra Infermeria’ and is one of the longest halls in Europe. It was recognised as an architectural feat way back in the 16th century and has been brought back to life by restoration and pioneering technology. Not to overlook the La Valette Banqueting Hall with a seating capacity of approximately 900 people, it has a spectacular cross-vaulted ceiling and is one of the most elegant banqueting halls on the island.

Each meeting hall, whether large or small, 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, Wi-Fi as well as audio and visual equipment. Whichever space suits your needs, irrespective of the size of the event being organised, you will benefit from a flexible atmosphere and impeccable service. From a small presentation to a large conference, a product launch or an exhibition, a convention or even a theatrical performance – the MCC can cater for all your requirements.

It is however, not just the space, technology and the facilities alone that make a success of an occasion. The MCC prides itself on the level of customer support it offers through its dedicated, trained and highly motivated staff. This personal element will help seal a memorable event, ensuring everything flows seamlessly and, most importantly, allowing clients the time and headspace to focus on what is really important. Further testimony to the Centre’s reputation and experience, is its ability to adjust and grow with changing customer needs.

Its membership to the Historic Conference Centres of Europe, a leading historic conference centre marketing alliance, highlights its ongoing commitment to excellence. Amongst the impressive list of clients who have experienced the quality service at MCC are Texaco, Ford, IBM, Ericsson, Pfizer, Philips, Nortel, AstraZeneca, Baume & Mercier, Boehringer Ingelheim, McDonalds Germany, Aventis, Nestle Waters, Novo Nordisk, Swarovsky and Bosch, as well as various United Nations agencies. Join this growing list of successes and let the MCC do what it does best.

The MCC is a flagship conference venue, adding untold value to the selling points of Malta as a MICE destination. It will remain mainly a conference centre, but it will also be developed into a major historical and cultural experience where visitors can revisit the past and relive the building’s renowned history. Looking forward to the New Year, there is nowhere better to host that important event than in this magnificent building in Valletta 2018, where you can celebrate with the city as it enjoys the fruits of being a European Capital of Culture. http://www.mcc.com.mt/