Captain Olof Gollcher, the museum's founder, was an avid collector of historical artifacts and a veteran of both World Wars.
The house contains a rare collection of over 45 antique clocks and a significant library of over 4,500 books.
The building preserves a medieval 'flue' or secret passage, a common defensive feature in high-status homes of that era.
The collection includes paintings attributed to renowned artists such as Nicolas Poussin, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Mattia Preti.
The museum houses one of the finest collections of Maltese silver on the island, reflecting local craftsmanship from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Palazzo Falson, also known as the Norman House, is one of the oldest surviving medieval buildings in Mdina, Malta, dating back to the 13th century. It serves as a historic house museum exhibiting the extensive private collection of Captain Olof Gollcher, a Swedish-Maltese philanthropist and collector. The collection spans 17 permanent galleries containing paintings, silver, jewelry, oriental rugs, and antique furniture. The building underwent a major restoration by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti before opening as a public museum in 2007. Visitors follow a self-guided audio tour that provides historical context to the residential architecture and the diverse artifacts displayed within the rooms. The structure features a distinctive central courtyard and original stone masonry that reflects centuries of architectural evolution.
The internal courtyard features original medieval stone architecture and light levels ideal for photography.
Use the provided audio guide, which is included in the entrance fee, to understand the historical significance of the individual rooms.
The house has multiple levels with steep, narrow, and uneven original stone staircases; visitors with mobility issues should take care.
Visit the rooftop terrace for one of the most unobstructed views of the Maltese countryside and the surrounding bastions.
Do not rush through the rooms; the house is small and best experienced by listening to the full narrative of the audio guide.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the artifacts or furniture on display.
