Regional Antonino Salinas Archaeological Museum Tickets

The Archaeological Museum was originally known as the National Museum and is one of the most important public museum institutions in all of Italy. Originally founded as a university museum, it went on to take the status of National Museum in 1860. The original complex of the museum was built in the late 16th century. Following the Allied Invasion of Sicily in the mid 20th century, the museum was redeveloped and was renovated by William De Angelis D’Ossat, a well-known architect.

The highlight of the museum is the metopes of the Temples of Selinunte, which is often considered to be one of the most important sculptures of ancient Greece. A majority of the uncovered archaeological wonders continue to be preserved in their original polychromy. Unique items donated by the Bourbon Kings from Torre del Greco and Pompeii can also be found at the museum. Perhaps the best known of these acquisitions is the Palermo Stone, with intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions from the 5 dynasties of Egypt. Numerous items from the excavations around Sicily have found a home at this museum, and it went on to play a central role under Antonio Salinas’ management.