Regional Museum, Messina

The Regional Museum of Messina stores a rich collection of paintings and sculptures of the city. It is located in the building of a former silk-weaving factory, on the coastal road. Exhibits of the museum are divided into several thematic exhibitions, but the work of Michelangelo da Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina deserve special attention.

History of the museum

The history of the foundation of the museum begins in the far 1806. Originally, the exposition was located in the former monastery complex of St. Gregory, but in 1908, as a result of a terrible earthquake, it was destroyed. Most of the exhibits were badly damaged. Part of the collection, which was saved, was put on the walls of the former spinning mill, about 3 km from Cathedral Square.

The reconstruction of the factory building, according to the requirements of the museum, was carried out for several years. The complex has been expanded, and lighting and ventilation of rooms have been improved.

Collection of the Regional Museum of Messina

The Messina Museum is divided into several thematic sections – archeology, medieval art, Renaissance art, jewelry and much more. Most of the exhibits were taken from the ruins of palaces and churches after the earthquake of 1908, and during the Second World War. The collection is presented in 13 rooms:

• First hall. Here various exhibits are collected: paintings, sculptures, mosaics and exhibits, dating from 12-13 centuries. In many exhibits the influence of Byzantine and Norman styles can be traced.
• The second hall stores exhibits of 14-15 centuries.
• In the third and fourth halls works of masters of the 15th century are represented, among which one you should definitely pay attention to the creations of Antonello da Messina and Francesco Laurana.
• The fifth hall holds the works of Girolamo Alibrandi, also known as the Raphael of Messina, and Antonello Gagini. The beginning of the 16th century is the period of creation of the exhibits.
• The sixth hall holds an exhibition of paintings and sculptures of the 16th century.
• The seventh hall – marble bas-reliefs and silverware, which date back to the 16th century.
• The eighth hall – paintings and sculptures of the late 16th – early 17th century.
• The ninth hall presents a collection of paintings by Caravaggio disciples. The works date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
• The tenth hall has a collection of paintings, among which there are two works of Caravaggio – "Adoration of the Shepherds" and "Raising the Lazarus."
• The eleventh hall has gathered paintings, sculptures, carvings, embroidery and jewelry of the 17th century in its exposition.
• The twelfth hall (the gem of the collection) holds the carved carriage of the Senate of Messina from the 17th and 18th centuries, and there are two paintings by Giovanni Tuccari.
• The thirteenth hall exhibits a collection of jewelry, ceramics and ivory products. All exhibits date from 17-18 centuries.

How to get there

The Regional Museum of Messina is located on the embankment of the city. You can get here by car or on foot.

Opening hours:

• from 09:00 to 14:00 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday);
• from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) – from June to September, during the remaining months the museum is open from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00;
• from 09:00 to 13:00 – on Sundays and public holidays.