Galleria d'Arte Moderna Sant'Anna (Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna), Palermo
The Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna, located in the historic Kalsa quarter of Palermo, is a significant cultural institution showcasing a diverse collection of artworks from the 19th to the early 20th century. Situated on Sainte Anna Street, adjacent to the Sant'Anna la Misericordia Church, the gallery occupies the premises of a former Franciscan convent and the adjacent Bonet Palace (Palazzo Bonet).
Bonet Palace, built around 1480 by Gaspare Bonet, has undergone extensive transformations. Originally sold to Franciscans in 1618, it was later damaged by earthquakes in the 18th century and converted into apartments by the 19th century. After the convent closed in 1866, it was used for various purposes including a school. A major restoration by the Municipality of Palermo in 1996 turned the site into a modern museum, featuring exhibition spaces, educational facilities, a conference hall, a library, archives, a bookshop, and a cafeteria. The redesign was led by architects Tonino Martelli and Roberto Termini with contributions from the Cliostraat team.
The decision to relocate the art collection from the Teatro Politeama's second-floor foyer to this more expansive and centrally located venue was made in 2006. This move was intended to accommodate the growing collection and enhance visitor accessibility.
Today, the gallery boasts an impressive array of works by prominent artists such as Giovanni Boldini, Massimo Campigli, Carlo Carrà, Felice Casorati, Eustachio Catalano, Giorgio de Chirico, and many others. It serves not only as a repository of fine arts but also as a vital center for cultural enrichment, reflecting the dynamic art scene of Italy from the 19th century onwards. This prestigious collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions, making the Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna a crucial landmark in the cultural landscape of Palermo.
Bonet Palace, built around 1480 by Gaspare Bonet, has undergone extensive transformations. Originally sold to Franciscans in 1618, it was later damaged by earthquakes in the 18th century and converted into apartments by the 19th century. After the convent closed in 1866, it was used for various purposes including a school. A major restoration by the Municipality of Palermo in 1996 turned the site into a modern museum, featuring exhibition spaces, educational facilities, a conference hall, a library, archives, a bookshop, and a cafeteria. The redesign was led by architects Tonino Martelli and Roberto Termini with contributions from the Cliostraat team.
The decision to relocate the art collection from the Teatro Politeama's second-floor foyer to this more expansive and centrally located venue was made in 2006. This move was intended to accommodate the growing collection and enhance visitor accessibility.
Today, the gallery boasts an impressive array of works by prominent artists such as Giovanni Boldini, Massimo Campigli, Carlo Carrà, Felice Casorati, Eustachio Catalano, Giorgio de Chirico, and many others. It serves not only as a repository of fine arts but also as a vital center for cultural enrichment, reflecting the dynamic art scene of Italy from the 19th century onwards. This prestigious collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions, making the Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna a crucial landmark in the cultural landscape of Palermo.
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Galleria d'Arte Moderna Sant'Anna (Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna) on Map
Sight Name: Galleria d'Arte Moderna Sant'Anna (Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna)
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Palermo, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Palermo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Palermo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Palermo Introduction Walking Tour
Around 8,000 BC, people called Sicani drew pictures in a cave outside Palermo. The scene shows a ritual sacrifice in the theatre. Was it a paleolithic foreshadowing of the temples, churches, and cathedrals to come?
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Palaces of Palermo
For centuries, Sicilian capital Palermo has been a focal point for the construction of noble dwellings and palaces. The latter were and still are a fine manifestation of the historical life in the region. They are a few hundred of them still in place, ranging chronologically from the medieval period to the first decades of the 20th century, and comprising an impressive collection of architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings
Religion has always played an important role in the lives of the Italians – and the Sicilians are no exception. Thus, it is little wonder that the main city of the island, Palermo, boasts a plethora of religious buildings. The collection of historical churches found here ranges from the Arab-Norman-Byzantine to the Medieval, Gothic, Baroque and the Renaissance.
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles