Museo d'Arte Contemporanea della Sicilia (Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily), Palermo

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily (Museo d’Arte Contemporanea della Sicilia), is prominently located within the historical Belmonte Riso Palace on Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Palermo. This prestigious institution is housed in a structure designed by Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia in 1784, reflecting the architectural transition from Sicilian Baroque to Neoclassicism. The palace was originally commissioned by Prince Giuseppe Emanuele Ventimiglia of Belmonte and later transferred to the Riso family in the 19th century.

The Belmonte Riso Palace boasts significant neoclassical features, including the Riso family's marble coat of arms sculpted by Ignazio Marabitti, and various sculptures adorning the central balcony. The building's history is marked by damage during World War II when it was hit by a bomb, leading to its abandonment and eventual restoration starting in the mid-1990s. By 2008, extensive renovations allowed for the opening of the museum with additional facilities like a cafeteria and bookshop, aiming for future expansions to rebuild parts destroyed during the war.

The museum is a key cultural hub in Sicily, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art with a particular emphasis on Sicilian artists. The collection includes works from notable artists such as Andrea Di Marco, Alessandro Bazan, and Emilio Isgrò, among others. It also features international artists like Christian Boltanski and Richard Long, making it a comprehensive repository of modern artistic expression.

Moreover, the museum houses the Special Office for Contemporary Art of Sicily (SACS), which includes an archive accessible online and in paper at the museum, furthering its mission to promote and preserve contemporary art. The establishment of the SACS Gallery in 2010 has enhanced the museum's offerings, providing a specialized space for exhibitions and artist collaborations.