Reviving history: A new vision for Villa Luginsland

Omenaa Mensah is not your typical preservationist. With a background spanning business, art, and charity, she brings a unique perspective to the world of historical restoration.

“I am an art lover who believes that business, art, and charity can work well together,” Omenaa explains.

Her approach to running the OmenaArt Foundation reflects this philosophy:

“For me, running a foundation is not different from running a business. But I don’t just focus on making profits. I want to use art to help others, which is the most beautiful way of using your business skills.”

This holistic approach has led her to take on the restoration of Villa Luginsland, a project she describes as her dream.

“Malta holds personal significance for me, and I always had a soft spot for historical buildings. I am fully committed to restoring the Villa to its former glory.”

Before delving into the specifics of Villa Luginsland, Omenaa explains the broader context of her work through the OmenaArt Foundation.

 With a mission to champion a holistic integration of art, design, and architecture while also engaging in significant philanthropic activities, one of the foundation’s flagship events is the Grand Charity Auction TOP CHARITY, which its founder describes as “one of the most prestigious events in Europe that promotes the best Polish and international artists.”

And its success is staggering. “This year, the Grand Charity Auction TOP CHARITY 2024 concluded with spectacular results.

We raised almost €11,500,000, and it is now the biggest charity event in Europe,” Omenaa states with pride. But the foundation’s reach extends beyond fundraising, having been actively involved in supporting innovative art projects and organising exhibitions.

Notably, it sponsored and participated in the first edition of maltabiennale.art, organising a thematic pavilion titled ‘Other Geographies, Other Stories’, featuring female artists from Poland and Ukraine.

As a collateral event to maltabiennale.art, LuginsLand of Art also organised a site-specific exhibition and educational programme. The exhibition ‘Space and Time’, curated by Slovakian set designer Boris Kudlička featured works of 19 Polish and Maltese artists, including site-specific works and a selection of works from artists’ collections.

The educational programme invited distinguished Maltese and international art specialists for discussion panels, each delving into various facets of art and its relationships, including architecture, archaeology, conservation, technology, and artistic legacy.

The programme also offered an opportunity to explore the Villa’s ongoing construction, restoration, and preservation efforts.

Shifting focus back to Villa Luginsland, now rebranded as LuginsLand of Art, Omenaa describes the property’s rich history, dating back to 1887. Founded by German Consul Baron Maximilian Von Tucher, the Villa was designed by Maltese architect Francesco Zammit and artist Giuseppe Calì.

“When you enter the Villa, you can feel the history surrounding you. Every element tells a story, and it’s inspiring when you think about the past of this place.”

The historical significance of the Villa presents both opportunities and challenges for the restoration project. As a Grade I Historic Property, every detail must be preserved in its original architectural form, requiring close collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

And, as one would imagine, restoring a building of this age and importance is no small feat. Omenaa and her team face daily challenges, from ensuring historical accuracy to obtaining necessary permits and complying with heritage conservation laws.

“I think that one of the biggest challenges is the constant discovery of new historical and archaeological findings. It is remarkable how much we continue to uncover in the Villa, but unfortunately, it slows down the restoration.”

These discoveries also bring excitement to the project. During their research, Omenaa’s team uncovered intriguing details about Baron Von Tucher, including hints that he might have been a spy.

“Unfortunately, many documents have gone missing over the years, and we are left with many questions without the answers,” she laments.

Still, the wealth of stories and secrets uncovered has even inspired the creation of a documentary.

One of the key challenges in the restoration process is integrating modern amenities while preserving the Villa’s historical integrity. Omenaa sees this as an opportunity for innovation.

“This is what I truly love about this—combining the past with the future. Integrating modern conveniences such as electrical systems, plumbing, and accessibility features without compromising the building’s historical integrity requires innovative solutions.”

The team is also focusing on implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions, adapting new technologies to work within the constraints of the original structure.

Once restored, Villa Luginsland will serve dual functions. Part of the building will be used for private purposes, while the remaining space will be transformed into a creative hub.

Omenaa envisions “a space where art and business can intertwine. A space for artistic international discourse, exhibitions, and residencies.”

While the restoration is still ongoing, with an estimated completion date a few years away, Omenaa and her team are already planning for the future. This autumn, they will launch an annual artistic residency programme, inviting Polish artists who have won prestigious art competitions over to draw inspiration from the Villa.

Meanwhile, the local community in Rabat has responded positively to the revitalisation of Villa Luginsland.

“We received a great reaction from the local community. Several family members of people who lived in the Villa have reached out to us sharing some interesting facts about it.”

Beyond this, Omenaa sees the project as contributing to the broader goals of historical preservation and cultural heritage in Malta.

“I aim to help develop the Maltese cultural scene and provide a platform for both local and international artists.”

The project also includes educational initiatives to raise awareness about the value of cultural heritage.

And as the restoration continues, Omenaa remains committed to her vision of creating a space where history, art, and community converge.

Her innovative approach to preservation—combining business acumen with a passion for art and philanthropy—offers a new model for historical restoration projects.

“No matter where we come from, cultural heritage serves as a bridge connecting past, present, and future generations. Preserving cultural heritage fosters a sense of belonging and continuity, allowing people to understand and appreciate their roots. I truly hope that my contribution to Maltese heritage will inspire future generations.”

This interview was first carried in the 2024/2025 edition of Business Now Magazine, the sister brand to BusinessNow.mt and produced by Content House Group