Esplora, Science museum in Il-Kalkara, Malta
Esplora is a science museum housed in a historic building overlooking the Grand Harbour with multiple exhibition halls and landscaped outdoor areas. It contains more than 200 interactive exhibits, a modern planetarium dome, and open-air exploration zones.
The building served originally as a Royal Navy hospital and underwent major renovation in the early 2000s. This transformation allowed it to open as an interactive science facility in 2016.
The name draws from exploration and discovery, reflecting the institution's hands-on philosophy toward science. Visitors engage with exhibits by touching and experimenting rather than simply observing behind barriers.
The location sits directly on the water with its own jetty for visitors arriving by boat, offering an alternative arrival option. The sprawling facility with halls and garden areas typically requires several hours to explore thoroughly.
A notable feature is the historic Cot Lift, an old elevator system from the naval era that now transports boat passengers to visitor entrances. This working relic connects the building's past purpose with its present use.
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