Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet Palermo side street, the Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna holds a secret: one of Southern Italy's most compelling collections of modern European art. You'd never guess from its unassuming facade that inside lies a treasure trove of works from the tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a place where you can escape the city's bustle, lose yourself in a vibrant Renato Guttuso painting, and then debate it all over a remarkably good espresso. This gallery feels less like an institution and more like a passionate local's private collection, generously shared.
Collection Highlights
Look for the raw, emotional sculptures by Medardo Rosso, whose melting wax figures seem to capture a single moment in time. The paintings swing from the dramatic realism of the Macchiaioli artists to the bold, fractured perspectives of early Italian Futurism, creating a visual dialogue across a century of radical change.
Visitor Information
After soaking in all that art, the ground-floor cafe is a sun-drenched spot perfect for people-watching on Via Sant'Anna. Don't forget to browse the small but excellent bookshop on your way out—it's curated with the same sharp eye as the galleries.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a gracefully converted 17th-century monastery, the building itself is part of the experience. Soaring vaulted ceilings and worn stone floors provide a serene, almost spiritual counterpoint to the modern works on display.
Contact & Location
Address: Galleria d'arte moderna "Empedocle Restivo", 21, Via Sant'Anna, Kalsa, I Circoscrizione, Palermo, Sicilia, 90133, Italia
Phone: +39 335 545 3277
Website: Visit Website
