Museums in Sicily
This list includes "dedicated" museums rather than historical sites which happen to feature small museums. In general, the notable museums and art galleries mentioned here are those displaying exceptional permanent collections in major cities rather than towns (Contessa Entellina) or at archeological sites (Solunto and Naxos), but some smaller or remote localities boast remarkable archeological museums, while churches, libraries and state archives often host fascinating exhibits. We have deliberately avoided including those which are usually (and annoyingly) closed, open only during irregular hours, or open to the public only "by appointment" (Palermo's Mormino and Pitré museums). Don't be misled by the deceptive public promotion of various Sicilian museums which may actually be closed when you arrive! If you have any doubt about hours, telephone ahead --hoping that whoever answers can speak at least passable English. Admissions average €5.00, with occasional discounts for European Union citizens under 18 or over 60. We cannot guarantee schedules, which change frequently (even by season), but most of these museums are open from 9:00 AM till noon or 1:00 PM Tuesdays through Saturday, with occasional afternoon hours (usually from 4 till 7) two or three days each week.

Agrigento. The Provincial Archeological Museum (Contrada San Nicola 12, in Via dei Templi, Agrigento) collection focuses on Greek items recovered from the Valley of the Temples (museum admission usually includes admission to the nearby archeological site). It is actually built upon the Greek ekklesiasterion and the medieval church of Saint Nicholas.

Catania. The Art Gallery of Catania (Castello Ursino, Piazza Federico di Svevia, Catania) is located in the large seaside castle built under Frederick II (early 13th century) now located inland due to lava flows having extended the coastline. The art collection consists primarily of works ranging from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century, and the fortress itself is interesting as well.

Marsala. On the tiny island of Mozia, off Marsala, the Whitaker Museum (in Villa Whitaker) has a remarkable Phoenician and Carthaginian collection, including a life-size statue of a young man. Mozia (Motia) is Sicily's most important extant Punic archeological site.

Mazara del Vallo. The small Museo del Satiro (Piazza Plebiscito, Mazara del Vallo) has a large bronze satyr, found underwater several years ago, and other finds from this part of western Sicily. This museum is housed in a former church in the central area of the town.

Messina. The small but interesting Regional Gallery of Messina (Viale della Libertà 465) has a varied collection of works reflecting certain artistic movements, such as the Byzantine and Gothic, no longer visible in the city of Messina, much restructured following the earthquake of a century ago.

Palermo. The Salinas Regional Archeological Museum (Piazza Olivella, Palermo), though an old structure housed in a crumbling ex-monastery, boasts one of Sicily's better collections, with a number of Sicanian, Phoenician, Greek and Roman finds, as well as some interesting Paleo-Christian and Arab items. Parts of the ruined temple of Himera (near Termini Imerese) are housed here. In the courtyards numerous Roman statues are displayed in open air. Of particular interest is the Palermo Stone brought from Egypt. The Regional Art Gallery (Via Alloro 4, Palermo) in the charming medieval Palazzo Abatellis houses a fine art collection, featuring many medieval Byzantine and Norman-Arab works. The City Art Gallery (Piazza Sant'Anna, off Discesa dei Giudici, Palermo), located in a large former monastery, is a collection of modern, particularly eighteenth and nineteenth century paintings in the Romanticist and Expressionist styles. While it does not house a permanent collection and is not always open to the public, the small Magione monastery museum (Via Teatro Garibaldi 27 off Piazza Magione in the Kalsa district) occasionally presents interesting exhibits.

Siracusa. The Paolo Orsi Museum (Villa Landolina, Viale Teocrito 66, Siracusa) has a fine collection of Greek and Roman finds from the Syracuse area. Several, such as the Landolina Venus, are world-famous, leading certain critics and historians to consider this Sicily's finest archeological museum. (It is certainly better organized than Palermo's.) The Regional Art Gallery (Palazzo Bellomo, Via Capodieci, Siracusa) contains an excellent collection of Byzantine and medieval art. The small but interesting Papyrus Museum (Viale Teocrito 66) is also worth a visit.