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Sicily - Palermo, Grotta dell'Addaura (archeology museum)

I find myself in the giddy position of touring Sicily (not RS) the first two weeks in November (coming up....fast!). I'm an art history major (from waaaay back) and serendipitously discovered that some of the world's oldest cave art is located outside of Palermo...Unfortunately, not accessible to the public (Grotta dell'Addaura). Word has it that the Museo Regioale Archeologico in Palermo has recreations...but looking at trip advisor makes that looked closed as well. So frustrating to be so close yet so far! Anyone have any experience/advice with these places? Gracie!

Posted by
192 posts

I have heard different stories about the museum in Palermo. The last one is that it is partially open, but some of the rooms are still closed. We are leaving in 2 weeks and hope to find it open. The Grotta is closed because of the dangers of falling rock. If you happen to be in Syracuse there is the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi) . It is the second largest archaeological museum in Sicily. Buon Viaggio!

Posted by
13 posts

Grazie! I may be able to do that (Siracusa)...You have a wonderful trip too.

Posted by
192 posts

@Jennifer Just saw a note on Tripadvisor that as of yesterday (9/15) the museum is still closed. :(
Bummer!

On second thought yesterday was a Monday, so it may be open.

Posted by
192 posts

Just got this message from the museum, it was sent in Italian and translated from Google:

Notice is hereby given that currently is open only a minor part of the Atrium of the Museum where the exhibition is on display with complimentary "Del Museo di Palermo and suoavvenire. Recalls The Salinas Salinas 1914-2014" on the occasion of the centenary of the death of the great archaeologist founder of this institute. HOURS: Saturday and Sunday 9.30 to 13.00; Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 to 19.00; Monday closing.

The other rooms of the museum are still closed for renovation and will reopen in 2015.

Please be informed also that at the Albergo dei Poveri, in Palermo, Corso Calatafimi, 217, you can visit, for free, until January 31, 2015, the exhibition "The Etruscans in Palermo" with an exhibition of 200 artifacts from the Collection Casuccini Bonci, one of the most important collections of Etruscan material existing in Italy, consisting of approximately 10,000 artifacts, from the archaeological area of ​​Chiusi, purchased in 1865 by the Royal Museum of Palermo, now the Archaeological Museum "Antonio Salinas".

Exhibition "The Etruscans in Palermo"

HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays, from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00 (the Service Ticket ceases mezz'oraprima closing).

For updates on this, we invite you to connect on the website www.regione.sicilia.it/beniculturali/salinas

or call asking the undersigned. Sincerely.

An official in charge dell'U.R.P.

Dr. G. Scardina tel. 0916116807; Mobile: 3346476293

Posted by
13 posts

Thanks so much for this follow up...I'll print it out and bring it with me..."armed"! Jennifer

Posted by
192 posts

Just back from Sicily and that message I noted above was right on. It is worth the trip to see the Etruscan exhibition especially if you plan to go to the catacombs too (just a couple of blocks away). There is also an art exhibit happening at the same place as the Etruscan exhibition. Though pretty sparse the museum itself is worth a look-see if you have the time. Best of all it is all FREE!

Posted by
1540 posts

You may have already seen this site. I used it extensively for Sicily for just about every piece of info I could think of.

Best of Sicily