Museo regionale Accascina

About the museum

The Museo regionale di Messina was founded in 1806 as the Museo civico, on the initiative of the historian and man of letters Carmelo La Farina, and changed venue several times: from rooms beneath the Notaries' archive to the Jesuit college, then to the old Granili (granaries) of Sant'Alberto and, in 1890, to the former Benedictine monastery of San Gregorio. After the earthquake of 1908 much of the recovered artistic heritage was taken to the San Salvatore esplanade, thanks to the work of Antonino Salinas and his collaborators, and from 1911 the nineteenth-century Filanda Mellinghoff (former silk mill) housed the works. The Museo Nazionale was established in 1914 and inaugurated in 1922 under the direction of Enrico Mauceri.

After the bombings of the Second World War, Maria Accascina, director from 1949 to 1963, reorganised the collections and reopened them in 1954 with a modern museographic project. The museum now bears her name. The current venue, inaugurated in June 2017, stands where the ruins of the Basilian monastery of San Salvatore dei Greci stood, destroyed by the earthquake: the layout of the church and the crypt, incorporated into the exhibition area, remain visible.

The building extends over three levels, two of them devoted to the display, and covers 17,118 m², with outdoor spaces laid out with architectural elements. The display brings together in one setting the most representative works of each period; the route tells the story and artistic culture of Messina from prehistory to the 19th century, with masterpieces by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio.

Highlights

• Works by Antonello da Messina and his school
• Caravaggio (including the Resurrection of Lazarus) and the Caravaggisti
• Remains of the church and crypt of the monastery of San Salvatore dei Greci
• Archaeological collection from prehistory to Greek and Roman Messina
• Thematic routes on the Madonna della Lettera and the port of Zancle-Messana

Founded

1806

Operated by

Regione Siciliana – Assessorato dei Beni culturali

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month, 25 April, 2 June and 4 November.

For reduced and free tickets, documentation certifying the entitlement is required. Free admission also for ICOM members, journalists, EU tourist guides and interpreters, permanent and contract teachers, volunteers of associations agreed with the Assessorato, and other categories provided for by the regional regulation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Tactile and sensory route for blind and partially sighted people, guided routes and sign-language videos for deaf people, simplified materials for cognitive difficulties, and manual and motorised aids for reduced mobility. Equipped bike service for storing and recharging electric bicycles, e-scooters and mobility aids. Guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Pushchairs are allowed.

Getting there & parking

By car from the A18 and A20 motorways: recommended exit Boccetta, towards the sea, then left northwards to the Annunziata roundabout. From the private ferries: car and pedestrian exit, then 500 m on the right.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Coat check

The café is temporarily closed. Luggage storage is compulsory for medium and large bags, backpacks, umbrellas and selfie sticks; only small bags up to 21 × 15 cm are allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The museum offers the organisation of private events.

Plan your visit