The Malta Railway Foundation

The Malta Railway Foundation The Foundation will encourage the better understanding and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Malta Railway.

On Friday 17th April 2026 Malta Post issued a new set of three postage stamps related to the Malta Tramways.Thanks you M...
18/04/2026

On Friday 17th April 2026 Malta Post issued a new set of three postage stamps related to the Malta Tramways.

Thanks you Malta Post

The Malta Railway Foundation is very proud that the Railway Museum is featured on the Heritage Malta Passport. Bring you...
11/04/2026

The Malta Railway Foundation is very proud that the Railway Museum is featured on the Heritage Malta Passport. Bring your Heritage Malta Passport along when you visit the Birchircara Railway Museum.

143RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MALTA RAILWAY THE INAUGURAL JOURNEY OF THE MALTA RAILWAY –WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 1883.On Wedne...
28/02/2026

143RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MALTA RAILWAY

THE INAUGURAL JOURNEY OF THE MALTA RAILWAY –
WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 1883.

On Wednesday morning of the 28th February 1883, Monsignor Archbishop Count Carmelo Scicluna accompanied by other clergy and the company’s authorities at 11:00 am boarded the train, There, in the presence of Mr Frank A.B. Geneste (General Manager), he bestowed heavenly blessings on the work that had been done and all the stations along the route. The official inauguration Journey took place that same day in the afternoon.

That afternoon on 28th February 1883, Monsignor the Archbishop Count Scicluna accompanied in procession by a number of Canons of the Cathedral and by other ecclesiastics and laity of his palace and Curia, departed from the church of our Lady of Victory for Valletta Railway Station Terminus. Mr Frank A.B. Geneste (General Manager) welcomed His Grace who was accompanied by about sixty of the clergy, by the Rev Mother of Sliema convent, Mrs Geneste, Mrs Naudi, Mrs Galizia and Mrs Laferla, His Excellency The Governor General of Malta, Sir Arthur Borton arrived on the railway platform.
The distinguished company from all walks of life present for the Inaugural Journey included His Excellency Sir Arthur Borton, His Grace the Archbishop, Sir Adrian Dingli, many of the Judiciary, the Heads of many Government departments, the Director of Public Works, the Press and Ladies. The engine and some of the first class carriages were decorated with flags, streamers and sprays of tree foliage. By 3 o’clock the guests had occupied the eight beautiful first, second and third class coaches. [Second class was later dropped].
One whistle, another, then another – the clanging of the Valletta station bell – a creaking of wheels - a jolting of coaches - a rhythmic even and monotonous rumbling and the train drew out from Valletta terminus towards the ancient capital of Malta, penetrating the darkness of the tunnel excavated beneath the fortifications of Valletta and Floriana. Huge crowds assembled at the gates of Valletta and at vantage points along the line. The passage through the tunnel lasted about two minutes. Then, emerging into the light of day the train continued on its way amidst the applause of a crowd tightly packed all along its triumphal route. The train arrived at Notabile Railway Station at 3.25. Its public reception was a warm and happy one. Beneath a marquee on the hillside behind the station the Company entertained the guests to a reception.

At 4.11pm the train set off on its return journey, arriving in Valletta at 4.33. The line has nine stations – Valletta, Floriana, Hamrun, Msida, Birkirkara, San Antonio, Attard, San Salvatore and Notabile. These are united to form one single station by means of telephone wires, using a method perfected by Brequet of the Compagnie Internationale des Telephones. And so the Malta Railway began its working life. [The line was extended to Museum station seventeen years later in 1900.]

On behalf of the Board Members of The Malta Railway Foundation, I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and...
25/12/2025

On behalf of the Board Members of The Malta Railway Foundation, I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2026.

We look forward to see you at the Birchircara Railway Museum during the year 2026. 🎄

With a very heavy heart on behalf of the Board member of The Malta Railway Foundation, the Friends of The Malta Railway,...
13/11/2025

With a very heavy heart on behalf of the Board member of The Malta Railway Foundation, the Friends of The Malta Railway, our families and myself, I send our deepest and sincere condolences to the entire family of Joanne Debono Grech. I will cherish all the beautiful memories, the ups and downs to reach our target, that of setting up the Birchircara Railway Museum. Thank you Joanne for your trust and support. Rest in eternal peace.

Till we meet again. 🙏

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

On Tuesday 11th November 2025 our Friends Tony and Pauline Sparks from UK visited the Birchircara Railway Museum. Also v...
12/11/2025

On Tuesday 11th November 2025 our Friends Tony and Pauline Sparks from UK visited the Birchircara Railway Museum. Also visiting the museum were three Railway Drivers from Switzerland. one of them is a very nice lady, Gaby Fischer.

On Wednesday 22nd October 2025 a member of the Friends of the Malta Railway visited the Birchircara Railway Museum. Than...
24/10/2025

On Wednesday 22nd October 2025 a member of the Friends of the Malta Railway visited the Birchircara Railway Museum.

Thank you David for visiting.

Another successful event on Sunday 19th October 2025 during Gonna Ta' Gonna organised by Kunsill Lokali tal-Floriana. A ...
24/10/2025

Another successful event on Sunday 19th October 2025 during Gonna Ta' Gonna organised by Kunsill Lokali tal-Floriana. A number of visitors both foreigners and locals joined the tours of the Floriana Underground Railway Station.

We would appreciate if you please send us your photos taken during this event.

Photos by: David Martyn of Bristol UK.

On Wednesday 15th October 2025 family Warrington donated a Wooden Travel Chest To the Malta Railway Foundation. The pres...
24/10/2025

On Wednesday 15th October 2025 family Warrington donated a Wooden Travel Chest To the Malta Railway Foundation. The presentation was Made by Ms Isabel Worrington of behalf of the family.

Address

Birchircara Railway Museum 19, Kulleggata Street,
Birkirkara, Malta
BKR 1361

Telephone

+356 99470885

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