Unveiling the VIP Collection at Malta International Airport

 

Allura delivers a refined art experience at the new VIP Terminal

Allura is pleased to announce the completion of its latest project: the VIP Collection for Malta International Airport.

The VIP Collection is a curated series of artworks, selected and commissioned by Laura Swale on behalf of Allura, for the five private lounges at the newly completed VIP Terminal, officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela on 11 June 2025.

The carefully assembled VIP Collection brings together new commissions and acquisitions from contemporary artists, alongside original works from the airport’s existing collection. The result is an elevated cultural experience which reflects Malta’s creative spirit and identity.

The broader VIP Terminal project is featured in a Design Dispatch article.

Commissioned piece by Rune Bo Jakobsen in the City Lounge

Commissioned piece by Rune Bo Jakobsen in the City Lounge

A dialogue between master and contemporary artists

Works by renowned Maltese artists Luciano Micallef and Esprit Barthet were selected from the existing collection and reintroduced in new settings. Complementing these are recent works from the Allura Art Collection by Mark Schembri, Laura Swale and the late Marianne Ogden.

Bespoke commissions were created for the lounges by Allura artists Christopher Saliba and Henry Falzon, alongside further commissioned works by prominent local painters Rune Bo Jakobsen, Richard Saliba, Caroline Said Lawrence and James Vella Clark.

Artworks in the Ruby Lounge

Artworks in the Ruby Lounge by Luciano Micallef, Mark Schembri and Christopher Saliba

A showcase for Malta

For many distinguished guests arriving at the airport, the new VIP Terminal provides a critical first impression of Malta. While the space offers luxury and serenity, it also serves a deeper purpose: to create a strong sense of place and reflect the cultural wealth of the islands.

“We wanted the VIP Terminal artwork to reflect the beauty and cultural wealth of Malta, and to showcase the best of our local artistic talent. We trusted Allura with this very important project, and the VIP Collection exceeded our expectations.”

Tina Lombardi, Senior Vice President, Malta International Airport

Artworks by Esprit Barthet, Laura Swale, Marianne Ogden and James Vella Clark in the Harbour Lounge

Artworks by Esprit Barthet, Laura Swale, Marianne Ogden and James Vella Clark in the Harbour Lounge

“With its premium offering and carefully curated aesthetic to give a sense of place, the VIP Terminal reflects Malta International Airport’s commitment to ensuring that the company invests in sustainable projects - contributing to a quality tourism product and aligning with the government’s vision for our industry… allowing our guests to get the best first and last impressions of our islands.”

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport

A journey through Malta

The five lounges, the Emerald Lounge, Ruby Lounge, Heritage Lounge, Harbour Lounge and City Lounge, each present a distinct aspect of Malta, their names reflecting the themes and subject matter of the artworks within.

The artworks, unique characters in the story of each space, complement one another in a visually engaging welcome to Malta’s most discerning guests.

Artwork by Richard Saliba, one of two paintings hanging in the Emerald Lounge

Celebrating collaboration and creative excellence

Allura is honoured to have contributed to this landmark project and proud to support the promotion of Malta’s art and culture to international guests. We would like to thank Malta International Airport for bringing us on board.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank the artists involved for their invaluable contributions and we look forward to working with these outstanding artists on future projects.

Click here to view the full photo gallery of the VIP Collection.

Commissioned works by Henry Falzon and Caroline Said Lawrence in the Heritage Lounge

Commissioned works by Henry Falzon and Caroline Said Lawrence in the Heritage Lounge

Membership and bookings for the VIP Terminal will be available from 1 July 2025.

Thank you for taking an interest in Allura Art. Please consider sharing this post in your network or social media to support our efforts to promote their work.

For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow Allura on Facebook.

Finally, in case you’re new to Allura Art…

About the Allura Art Collection

The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.

The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.


About the Allura Art advisory service

Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.

Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.

Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.

About Allura Art

Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.

#alluraart #alluramalta #originalart #maltaartists

 
Laura Swale

Laura is a visual artist, writer and entrepreneur from the UK, with a background in arts education, cultural event-planning and curatorial work. She is the founder of Allura, a multi-award-winning arts organisation based in Malta, established to showcase creative talent and bring it to a global audience. Laura writes visual Arts and cultural content for the Times of Malta and the Malta Independent, she is a judge on the panels of several art prizes and a regular guest speaker at the University of Malta. Formerly a secondary school art teacher and head of department of fifteen years, she is also a practising artist, regularly exhibiting and selling her work.

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