Palermo's Museo Archeologico Antonino Salinas Reopens After Five Years

After five years of closure for restoration, the Museo Archeologico Antonino Salinas in Palermo reopened on July 27, 2016. The 9 million euro project, funded by European funds, included structural consolidation and restoration of paintings, sculptures, and stonework. During the works, 17th-century and Baroque elements were uncovered beneath 19th-century layers, including a wooden ceiling on the first floor and flooring in the Third Courtyard. The museum's exhibition design was renewed, bringing to light architectural fragments, ceramics, and goldsmith works from storage. Director Francesca Spatafora stated that entire contexts have been reconstituted, and for the first time, at least 30% of the collection is displayed. New sections cover Selinunte, Agrigento, Tindari, Enna, Randazzo, and Pizzo Cannita. The museum is free until the end of October. Remaining work on the first and second floors, estimated at 2 million euros, may be completed by the end of 2017.