Catania’s Etna Museum Takes Shape in Former 19th-Century Hospital

In Catania, a new Museo dell’Etna is being built within the old Vittorio Emanuele II hospital. The initiative, spearheaded by Guicciardini & Magni, secured a competition victory in 2021 and has a budget of €25 million funded by Regione Sicilia. Spanning 8,000 square meters, the museum will consist of six sectors featuring interactive displays. Construction commenced in 2024 following a contract awarded in summer 2023 and is currently 80% finished, with completion anticipated by late 2026. Notable features will include a glass-walled exhibition hall, a panoramic terrace, and two exhibition courtyards. Regional assessor Alessandro Aricò emphasized that the project aims to revitalize a historic site and act as an entry point to the UNESCO-listed Etna. Existing museums in Nicolosi and Viagrande will continue to operate.