Villa Luginsland, an imposing Grade 1 historic property located in Rabat which has been undergoing restoration and renovation works since 2020, opened its doors with an inaugural exhibition inspired by the building itself, effectively launching the space as a new creative hub, LuginsLand of Art.
Spearheaded by Omenaa Mensah, Polish art collector, philanthropist and founder of OmenaArt Foundation, Villa Luginsland is envisioned to become a hub for artistic events, exhibitions, collaborations and discourse while preserving and promoting the integrity and magnificence of the villa which lay derelict for decades.
The architecture of Villa Luginsland dates back to 1887, founded by German baron Maximilian Tucher von Simmelsdorf – an influential figure in Malta and art collector. He built the villa as his official residence during his tenure as the German consul to the island, in collaboration with architect and engineer Francesco Zammit, designed in a Neo-Renaissance style with Baroque elements.
Its equally splendid interiors reveal vivid polychrome paintings by revered Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali, believed to be “freestyle and perhaps the author’s own interpretation of the 18th and 19th century decorative ornamentation.”
While restoration works to the building and interiors are ongoing, Villa Luginsland opened its doors temporarily for an exhibition of 22 works that are both site-specific and selected from renowned Maltese and Polish artists, created in line with the villa’s historic reference as well as from the artists’ previous collections.
Space & Time, curated by Slovakian set designer and architect Boris Kudlička, “offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary artistic practices within the context of a meticulously preserved Neo-Renaissance villa”. It features works by Austin Camilleri, Victor Agius, Nicolas Grospierre and Michał Jackowski, among others, within its indoor chambers and extensive gardens.
While LuginsLand of Art will be running an educational programmed until May to invite the public to learn more about the villa and its renovation process, visits to the exhibition are limited due to construction activities on the site.
Main photo: Brian Grech
