Senior residents of Malta could now claim free access to cultural and museum sites. This was announced on Wednesday by Heritage Malta – the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government. The so-called Senior Passport aims to further increase accessibility within the cultural sector, by expanding the particularly successful Student passport scheme including the elderly citizens.
Supported by the Local Councils’ Association, the scheme is to be implemented in May after a memorandum of understanding is signed within several days. What is needed to issue the passport is nothing more but identity card, presented at the Local Council and application. Later, the passport and an information leaflet are sent by post within 10 days.
Presenting this passport at the entrance entitles an elder and two accompanying youths to free and unlimited access to all of Malta’s Heritage sites and museums (with the exception of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum). This makes a total of 27 sites, including prehistoric temples and caves, historic houses and prisons, fortresses and palaces, and a selection of museums relating to nature, archaeology, maritime, war, and art. What is more, on each 8th visit to a different monument certified by stamp, owners of the passport will receive an award. Finally, the scheme is regarded as a unique opportunity to elders to connect and share authentic and meaningful experiences with the younger generation.
