Valletta Art Rooms - 179 ArtApart (Studio)

Come and stay in our Valletta Art Rooms – an artist's cosy studio (with its own private entrance) in one of the most iconic character streets, the lovely stepped Strada Santa Lucia corner with Strada San Paolo. The Studio is part of a smart conversion character house located just 2 minutes away from the capital's Baroque jewel, St John's Cathedral. Valletta Art Rooms was our special culture project during the city's tenure as European Capital of Culture. It's a personalised gem combining history and contemporary art, extremely central and we make it a point to meet every guest!

THE SPACE

THE STUDIO (an artist's cosy studio unit)
This is a compact Studio that sleeps 2, accessible through its own front door at street level. It's in a lively location and really central and ideal for young couples who want to grasp the full experience of Valletta and other places quickly and easily. This cosy guest suite is a unique and artistic self-contained space with walk-in shower and dressing closet, and a small kitchenette enabling the preparation of breakfast and light snacks.

We have put loads of passion and attention in creating this gallery Studio combining art, culture and comfort for those who wish to immerse themselves in an artistically personalised, contemporary and inspirational experience.

The Studio’s large windows overlook the stepped Strada Santa Lucia. This is one of the most charming streets of Valletta that has attracted many a filmmaker’s eye, with its Baroque statuary flanking the corners at the upper end leading to the main Republic Street.

This spot, just by the towering St Paul’s Church, particularly favours the captivating contrasts of the city’s culture, its sounds, bustle and bells – the seasonal Pawlini Festa in February with its vivacious street manifestations and ornate festoons is particularly unique. The streets below are lively and animated with diners, jazzy cafes and outdoor bistros just on the doorstep - the old San Paolo Naufrago Wine Bar and Ta' Censu Pizzeria (certainly the best in town) with atmospheric tables down the street steps. Two doors up there is also the local family-run Il-Ġiffen for early morning coffee, breakfast and home cooking.

We are neighbour to the new Victor Pasmore art gallery and a stone’s throw from the historic Valletta Market (Suq tal-Belt), a hub of food stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants. St John’s Cathedral is up the hill (2 minutes), straight through the heart of Merchant Street and Republic Street – the main cultural and shopping arteries of Valletta. A right turning takes you to Piazza Regina and the renowned Café Cordina, and a left turning takes you to the Renzo Piano Parliament Building and the iconic Piazza Tritone (5 minute walk). Malta’s main bus terminus is situated here by the Triton Fountain providing services to all areas. The sea terminal for the fast ferry services to Gozo and The Three Cities is 5 minutes from us down to the Waterfront.

INTERIORS
The Studio offers a convivial individualised artistic experience combining old with new. It is full of original contemporary artworks inside and through the gallery stairway serving also as an artist's showplace. The artist-owner would be delighted, upon request, to meet and inform guests on contemporary art in Malta and discuss her art.

The Studio has been sensitively converted retaining all authentic architectural features, hand-produced pattern floors, original stone stairs and niches, timber beams and apertures, all renovated respectful to the local architectural vernacular with contemporary minimal interventions and tastefully finished. It has thick character walls, high ceiling and lots of natural light through two large double-glazed shuttered windows overlooking the steps of St Lucia Street.

- The Studio has a comfortable double sofa bed (185 x 140 cm), and a good-sized working table and two chairs. Fine Egyptian cotton bed linen, quilts, blankets, towels and basic toiletries are also provided.

- There is a walk-in dressing closet.

- There is a cool en-suite polished concrete wet-room with shower, loo and in-built vanity.

- The studio also comprises a compact kitchenette with a small sink, fridge, single induction hob, electric kettle, coffee maker and tea facilities, toaster, microwave oven and crockery for the preparation of breakfast and light snack type meals.

- It is fully air-conditioned (cooling or heating). This is included though we would ask for sensible and careful usage. There is free Wifi and a multi-channel TV connection.

- There is a short flight of steps on entering through the gallery-stairway from St Lucia Street up to the Studio room (around 12 steps).

ENJOY!
We want you to enjoy your stay and relax in our intimate owner-run studio to which we have dedicated plenty of special time to prepare a friendly and open art-loving unique atmosphere for your experience in Valletta.

We would ask our visitors to respect and care for our belongings and gallery as though they were your own, the art, furnishings, returning books and objects to their original place, avoiding damage, waste of energy and water; safeguarding the environment, turning lights and machines off when out, closing windows and locking up, and keeping the place, safe, clean and tidy as you find it.

We would be more than happy to introduce our guests to the great sights worth a visit, the island’s fabulous history, museums, best culinary experiences, relaxation spas and, needless to say, highlight any special arts or other events taking place at the time of your visit.

Enjoy our special culture project and island to the full!
Do please feel free to contact us with any questions about the property.

Ruth & Nigel ♡♡