The Muscats Motors
showroom, belonging to a
car dealership of the same name, is a building located in
Gżira,
Malta. It was designed by
Joseph Colombo in the
Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne is an international style of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. Inspired by aerodynamic design, it emphasized curving forms, long horizontal lines, and sometimes nautical elements. In industrial design ...
style, and it is the only building of that style in Malta. It was constructed in around 1945 on the site of an earlier garage which had been destroyed in
World War II. Today, the building is in good condition and it still serves its original purpose as a showroom.
History
The Muscats Motors showroom stands on the site of the Muscat Garage, which was built by the Muscat family in 1934. This was designed by the architect
Silvio Mercieca and it was built in a restrained form of
Art Deco. In
World War II, the building was used as a service and repair workshop for British military vehicles and equipment,
including
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, from the Mk 1 to the Rolls-Royce Grif ...
engines.
It was targeted by German and Italian aerial bombardment, taking a direct hit and causing severe damage.
The Muscats Motors company was founded in 1943–44.
The present building was constructed after the war, to designs of architect
Joseph Colombo. It was built in a short period of time, being completed in around 1945.
The building still stands and it is in good condition,
still serving its original purpose. Muscats Motors now forms part of the Mizzi Organisation, but it retained its original name.
The building was scheduled as a Grade 2 property in 2012.
Architecture
The Muscats Motors showroom was built in an elegant form of late Art Deco, and it has been described as the only true example of
Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne is an international style of Art Deco architecture and design that emerged in the 1930s. Inspired by aerodynamic design, it emphasized curving forms, long horizontal lines, and sometimes nautical elements. In industrial design ...
in Malta.
This architectural style never gained popularity on the islands.
The showroom is also said to be "possibly the best example of commercial or retail modern architecture in the Maltese Islands."
Its architecture has been compared to the
Hoover Building
The Hoover Building is a Grade II* listed building of Art Deco architecture designed by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners located in Perivale in the London Borough of Ealing. The site opened in 1933 as the UK headquarters, manufacturing plant and repa ...
and other buildings in Britain or the British colonies in Africa.
The building has a flowing form and a smooth finish, with horizontal lines running along the entire façade, and rounded edges and corner windows.
Its main feature is a clock tower in the centre of the façade (although the clock itself has been removed).
The building is considered as an Industrial Heritage by the SCH.
See also
*
Fawwara Gate: rental agreement of the land where Muscats Motors stands states that the company ought to maintain the historic arch on site.
*
Wembley ice-cream factory, nearby on the same street
*
Metropolis Towers, being constructed in front of it on the site of the former Mamo Garage (Mira building)
References
External links
* {{commons category-inline, Muscat Motors
Official website
Gżira
Auto dealerships
Streamline Moderne architecture
Art Deco architecture in Malta
Retail buildings in Malta
Commercial buildings completed in 1945
1945 establishments in Malta