An artistic summer in Sicily

Enjoy the wonderful art exhibits and cultural events on the beautiful sunny coasts and charming streets of Sicily. Get ready for a nice tour or close your bags if you stay across the Straits and come experience an enchanting summer on this culturally rich island!

To make your experience delightful, we have prepared an extensive list of contemporary art exhibitions in Sicily for summer 2024!

Festival Internazionale Classical and Jazz – Palermo

The Sicilian capital is preparing to host the 14th edition of the International Classical and Jazz Festival, an event that from July 25th to Sept. 22nd will enliven the city with 42 concerts and the participation of more than 90 artists from around the world. With a rich and diverse program, the festival will take place mainly at the Steri, home of the Rectorate of the University of Palermo, and the Salinas Museum. Prominent among this year’s new features is the involvement of students of Musicology and Performing Arts at the University of Palermo, who have collaborated in the drafting of the theater programs. The festival will offer a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to opera, aiming to satisfy the most demanding musical palates.

More information about musical spectacles in Palermo

Artisan summer market in Noto – EcoMarket 2024

The EcoMarket event is scheduled to take place in Noto from September 11 to 15, 2024. Organized by Olga Scaglione, founder of the association “Ti ci voglio portare”, and UNOE (National Union of Event Organizers). The event will be sponsored by Ars Centro di Formazione Professionale and sponsored by the Municipality of Noto and will be held in Trigona Square. Twelve stalls will display typical Sicilian products and eco-friendly handicrafts, using natural materials such as cotton, prickly pear fiber, and wood.

The EcoMarket will be plastic-free, promoting sustainable consumption and respect for the ecosystem. With the collaboration of A.P.O. (Società Cooperativa Agricola Produttori Olivicoli), three workshops with EVO oil tasting will be held from September 11 to 15, focusing on its organoleptic characteristics and benefits for the body.

The association “Ti ci voglio portare”, after the success of the previous editions of the “Guardami” event in Catania, will present in Noto on Sept. 12 a fashion show by fashion designer Pinannanuli, with clothes made from ancient Sicilian trousseaux. The EcoMarket will combine charm, culture, and respect for the environment, rediscovering the traditions and identity of Sicily.

More information about artisan summer market

Photography and literature exhibition: “Solo che amore ti colpisca” in Palermo

The exhibition “Solo che amore ti colpisca“, inspired by an intense lyric by poet Salvatore Quasimodo, opens on Thursday, July 4th, at 6 p.m. at the Real Albergo delle Povere in Palermo. Curated by Helga Marsala for the Riso Museum, the exhibition explores the relationship between photography and contemporary poetry. Conceived as an evolving atlas, the initiative brings together the works of Sicilian artists and poets, from masters to emerging talents, creating a dialogue between different generations and artistic styles. The exhibition, which highlights the “subtle correspondences” and “juxtapositions” between the various contributions, will be open to the public until Sept. 13th, reflecting the rich plurality of the island of Sicily.

The visual and literary works on display acquire new meaning when combined, demonstrating how text and image can enrich each other. This theme, rooted in Egyptian hieroglyphics and Jesuit emblems, continues to stimulate contemporary critics and artists. Through a journey that combines images and texts, the exhibition proposes a new identity for these works, showing them as two parts of a single whole, thus offering an innovative perspective on the relationship between word and image in artistic culture.

Free entrance

More information about photography and poetry exhibition 

Time: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.); first Sundays of the month (July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last entry at 12:30 p.m.)

Location: Real Albergo delle Povere in Palermo

Exhibition of cosmos mythology: “Labyrinthus” by Emanuelle Scoto in Castello di Ragusa 

In the heart of the labyrinth of the Castle of Ragusa, from May 18th to Oct. 30th, 2024, “Labyrinthus”, a daring exhibition that revisits Dedalic myths through contemporary sculptural art, comes to life. Among the most striking works emerges that of Emanuele Scuotto, who challenges our gaze with his “Minotaur Child”, a fascinating and controversial depiction of the mythical creature Asterion. The sculpture, adorned with a deep blue cloak dotted with stars, suggests lost innocence and the duality inherent in humanity itself: the ability to embrace good and evil.

Masterfully curated by Andrea Guastella and produced by Studio M’arte under the patronage of the Regional Department of Public Service and Local Self-Government and the City of Ragusa, Labyrinthus takes the form of an exciting journey through the time and space of ancient myths. The works exhibited in the heart of the labyrinth and the surrounding garden, invite visitors to immerse themselves in reflecting on the eternal meaning of these mythological tales, opening unexpected windows on contemporaneity.

Fee: 2 euro

Time: 09:00-19:00 (ore 19:00 chiusura botteghino; permanenza permessa fino alle 19:45) | Chiuso il lunedì

Location: Contrada Donnafugata – 97100 Ragusa

Photographic Italian architecture exhibition: “Teatralità” in Palermo

From June 7th to Sept. 8th, Villa Zito in Palermo comes alive with Patrizia Mussa’s extraordinary exhibition entitled “Teatralità – Architetture per la meraviglia“, curated by Antonio Calbi. With more than 70 large-format images enhanced by hand-coloring interventions, the artist explores theatricality in architecture, offering a unique perspective on the scenic quality of Italy’s most celebrated theaters. The exhibition, supported by the Sicily Foundation and produced by Studio Livio under the patronage of the City of Palermo, opens with an opening event on June 6 at 6 p.m., welcoming the public starting the following day.

Patrizia Mussa, a well-known architectural photographer, transforms Villa Zito into a stage of emotion and history, highlighting how places like Palermo’s Teatro Massimo and Milan’s Teatro alla Scala are not just buildings, but “social agoras” that enchant and inspire. The exhibition is not limited to monumental photographs, but also includes a valuable selection of vintage prints from the Fondazione Sicilia, revealing ancient Sicilian theaters through the eyes of 18th- and 19th-century artists and vedutists. After its success in Milan, the exhibition will continue its journey to Rome, Vicenza, and then Paris, promising to explore more gems of Italian theater architecture.

More information on the photography exhibition in Palermo

Fee: full price € 5 | reduced € 3 (groups of at least 15 people, over 65 years old, agreed categories) | free for schools and under 18 years old

Time: Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (last admission 7 p.m.)

Location: Via della Libertà 52 – 90143 Palermo

La Sicilia dei Templi: one ticket to discover the island’s archaeological treasures

Now we can visit the main archaeological parks in western Sicily and the Salinas Museum in Palermo with only a single cumulative ticket. This agreement, reached between the Department of Cultural Heritage and the museums, will allow access to the la Valle dei Templi, the Parks of Segesta and Selinunte, and the Archaeological Museum of Palermo with a single pass called “La Sicilia dei Templi“.

This initiative is an opportunity to save money and discover four of Sicily’s most beautiful sites, offering a summer program full of shows and exhibitions. The official announcement will be made to the press on Wednesday, June 26, at the Salinas Archaeological Museum, in the presence of the main authorities involved.

Different types of tickets have been proposed to adapt to visitors’ needs. A cumulative ticket for all four sites costs 36.20 euros (reduced 20.60 euros), while partial combinations offer additional options: Valle dei Templi + Salinas (18.20 euros; reduced 10.60 euros), Salinas + Segesta (15.60 euros; reduced 8.80 euros), and Salinas + Selinunte (13.60 euros; reduced 6.80 euros). All tickets include access to current exhibitions and allow only one entry per site within 15 days of validity.

With the cumulative ticket, visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient civilizations that inhabited Sicily. At the Salinas Museum, they will be able to read the names of the pharaohs on the Pietra di Palermo, while at Segesta they will discover the mysterious Elymians. At Selinunte, the acropolis overlooking the sea offers a breathtaking spectacle, and la Via sacra della Valle dei Templi, a Unesco heritage site since 1997, represents one of the most evocative historical walks in the world. “Everywhere,” Councilor Scarpinato concludes, “sanctuaries, temples, ruins, agora, relics, collections, and mosaics offer a journey through history unique in the world”.

More information about tickets for archeological sites

An exhibition that crosses borders – “Ti porterò nel sangue” by Allegra Hicks

Until 16 June in Palermo, the exhibition “Ti porterò nel sangue” will immerse you between the sacred and the profane, life and death, hope and faith within the two levels of the Church of St. Euno and Julian.

On the first floor, a large red blood-like drop hangs suspended, balanced by an ethereal, cocoon-like figure that captures the viewer’s attention in an undefined environment, symbolizing the fluidity and transformation of existence and human relationships.

Hicks expands her narrative through the creation of Ex Voto works, representing acts of human faith. In the 36 spaces of the crypt, 18 paintings depicting human organs and corresponding Ex-Voto expressions are placed. Each work is immersed in resin to immortalize a moment in time, thus transforming prayers into tangible symbols of divine grace.

This exhibition reflects a deep sense of devotion; combining drawings, materials, colors, and objects, generates a unique fusion in the exhibition that defies precise definition, embodying both fluidity and solidity.

Time: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 14:00 and Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Place: Piazza Magione – Palermo

An Exhibition of Space Exhibition- “Life on Earth” by William Marc Zanghi

From the first of June until the first of July, Zanghi’s art exhibition will introduce you to space and perception through the perspective of painting.

Zanghi’s exhibition presents a selection of works that reflect his recent research, in which he delves into the essence of symbolic forms within spatial constructs. His paintings transport viewers to super enigmatic islands, where mysterious apparitions such as surreal Bigfoots and unlikely wet while playing and emerging from seas of vibrant colors.

In Zanghi’s imagery, each composition becomes a synthesis of past explorations and an invitation to limitless inquiry into the potential of space in art. Through layers of transparency, delicate lines, and vibrant hues, his paintings breathe life into the canvas, inviting viewers to contemplate the essence of space in art.

Time: daily from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 24 Vincenzo Di Marco Street – Palermo

Exhibition of tribute to Sicily – “Rarica” by Francesco Diluca

Discover the enchanting world of “Rarica“, a fascinating art exhibition by acclaimed artist Francesco Diluca.

This exhibition, on view from April 20 to Sept. 30, 2024, takes place in two separate venues: the majestic Maniace Castle in Ortigia, Syracuse, and the serene Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo. Immersed in the rich historical scenery of Sicily, “Rarica” is a profound tribute to the essence of the island, perfectly blending art and nature.

Inspired by the depths of the sea and the myriad of its inhabitants, “Rarica” invites visitors on a stimulating journey that explores the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through more than 30 fine works, including sculptures, land art installations, and immersive videos, Diluca skillfully delves into themes of interconnectedness, ecological balance, and metamorphosis. The artist’s mastery is demonstrated as human anatomies intertwine with organic and natural elements, evoking a sense of transcendence amid the solidity of iron and earth.

Maniace Castle Hours: April 1 to July 31: Monday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 1 to Sept. 16: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Sunday and Monday 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Sept. 17 to Sept. 30: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Sunday and Monday 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Botanical Garden Hours: May-August: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

September: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Discover more about the art exhibition

An exhibition of the interpretation of Sicilian culture – “Sicilia e altre figure” by Flavio Favelli

In this exhibition, discover artist Flavio Favelli’s extraordinary exploration of his relationship with Sicily through a compelling series of collages, sculptures, and installations on view from June 27 through Sept. 8.

The artist’s work captures the unpredictable and multifaceted nature of Sicilian culture, blending elements of both the sublime and the mundane to create a vivid and super-engaging experience.

One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibition is the innovative use of the covers of the magazine “Sicilia,” published from the 1950s to the 1980s; this, originally published by the Flaccovio publishing house, is transformed by the artist into a collage with the addition of news and lifestyle magazines from the 1970s and 1980s, thus creating a rich tapestry that juxtaposes classical art with popular culture. This fusion captures the irreverent spirit of “Sicily,” breaking down traditional social hierarchies and reflecting the vibrant and layered identity of Sicily.

All of those of you who visit “Sicilia e altre figure” will experience a unique journey through Favelli’s artistic vision, where personal and public dimensions intermingle and where even everyday objects are displayed within the museum space.

Time: Tuesday-Friday 9:30-18:00

Place: Real Albergo delle Povere – Palermo

A vibrant exhibition of endurance and creative spirit – “Abbiamo Tutto Manca il Resto”

The art exhibition “Abbiamo Tutto Manca il Resto” is a vivid testimony to Sicily’s resilience and creative spirit, transcending clichés to showcase the island’s multifaceted cultural landscape. Organized by Farm Cultural Park in collaboration with local entities, this transdisciplinary Quadrennial promises an immersive experience from June 20-22, 2024, in various municipalities including Catania.

Throughout the event, you will embark on a highly enjoyable odyssey into the artistic pulse of Sicily, encountering stimulating installations, insightful discussions, and celebratory encounters.

Within the labyrinthine paths of the exhibition, you will confront the paradoxes and aspirations of Sicily: from its rich cultural heritage to pressing socio-economic challenges.

Artists, architects, and visionaries converge to address issues ranging from migration to gender equality, offering not only a visual spectacle but also a catalyst for political introspection. As Sicily navigates the complexities of its past and present, “Abbiamo Tutto Manca il Resto” emerges as a beacon of change, inviting participants to imagine a more inclusive and equitable future for the island and beyond.

Place: Aragona, Catania, Favara, Gela, Mazzarino, Butera

For more information about the artistic exhibition

“Paradisìaca” exhibition – Rediscovering the human-nature connection through art

The works of the seven artists offer a wide range of interpretations of the relationship between man and nature in this exhibition. From Daniela Balsamo’s surreal set designs to Antonio Bardino’s celebration of flora to Simone Bubbico and Emilia Faro’s poetic depictions, each artist offers a unique perspective on this primal bond. Through paintings, photographs, and installations, the artists invite reflection on their relationship with their surroundings.

The exhibition explores the historical evolution of the human-nature relationship in art, from prehistory to the present day, highlighting how this relationship has always been central to artistic expression. At a time when the rift between humans and the environment is increasingly evident, art becomes a means to raise awareness and rediscover the vital importance of the connection with nature. The collection, free admission through June 28, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a little artistic Eden, reconnecting with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Time: Tuesday through Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other days and after hours by appointment

Place: SACCA gallery, Modica

Exhibition of drawing and metaphor – “L’oro della lontananza” by Francesco Balsamo

Until July 7th, in the exhibition of his drawings, Francesco Balsamo becomes a translator of a visual language that transcends temporal boundaries, offering the public a unique perspective on the nature of human perception. Through meticulous details and the play of light and shadow, each work represents a portal to multidimensional worlds, where the past intertwines with the present in a continuous flow of suggestions.

Balsamo’s works, rich in symbolism and allegory, are within a larger artistic framework shared by the Societas Siciliae, an entity that brings together different figures from the Sicilian art scene to enhance and spread the island’s culture globally.

Through the exhibition of his drawings, Balsamo invites the public to explore the depths of the human soul and to reflect on the meaning of existence itself. Each stroke, whether bright or dark, reveals a fragment of hidden truth, an echo of distant worlds that merge with our everyday reality. His work thus takes the form of a bridge between past and present, between matter and spirit, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in an emotional and conceptual journey that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of art.

Time: 10.00-13.00 and 17.00-20.00

Place: Fondazione Brodbeck, Catania

If you happen to be in the mainland of Italy, we have also prepared the dedicated list for the art exhibitions in summer.

We hope you find our advice helpful in enriching your daily life with the beauty of Sicilian art and stimulating cultural research. We warmly invite you to come back and explore this collection, which is constantly being updated, to always discover something new. We wish you all an extraordinary Sicilian art experience!