The Palace

The Palazzo Branciforte is located in the historical city center of Palermo and can be described as a unique place, combining innovation and identity. After the bombings during the Revolution of January in 1848 and the Second World War, the Fondazione Sicilia decided that the Palazzo should be restored. In 2005, the Palazzo Branciforte was ready to show its beauty and history to the public in order to promote the cultural development in Palermo.

Before entering the Palazzo, you will see a safety guard, who will lead you to the entrance of the museum. There, you can find the information desk and gathering point for the guided tours. The tours are guided in English or Italian and start every 30 minutes. This information point is also the ending point of the tour and known as the Emporio Branciforte. It is an interesting shop, open for everyone, that sells books about the Palazzo and its collections and selected food and wine products.

On the ground floor, you can find more than 4750 objects made of ceramic, terracotta, glass, and bronze, dating from different historical periods. The archeological collection is displayed in one of the biggest rooms and is very impressive by its many showcases. The room also counts two didactic interactive panels that give more information about the establishment of the building, the collections, and the exhibitions. They also contain several games for kids. Besides the Sicilian artifacts, there are some examples of Italian contemporary art as well. The paintings are in hands of private collectors but are shown in the Palazzo Branciforte from 2nd February until 23rd April.

Further, the majolica collection can also be seen as a beautiful example of Italian, European and Eastern art from the 15th – 20th centuries. The Palazzo Branciforte is accessible for disabled people as well; there is a lift that can bring visitors to the collections on the upper floors. On the first floor, the guide will show you several stamps, coin and sculpture collections.

First of all, the guide will let you discover four volumes of the Voyage of Jean-Pierre Houël. These books were made during the Grand Tour, of which Sicily was a very popular destination thanks to its natural and beautiful views. In a connecting room, you will notice several volumes of the Sicilian history, as well as some elegant bronze statues.

Then, the guide will show you the numismatic collection, which contains over one thousand coins. Some of them date from during the Arab and Norman Domination. Thereafter, the guide will give you some more information about the Philatelic Collection. This collection contains the first printed stamps that were being used in the 19th century.

Before ending your tour with an introduction into the Puppi tradition, you will pass the historical library which offers more than 40.000 books. After being blown away by this impressive room, you will end your visit with a film of a Puppi theatre play by Wael Shawky.

General information:

Rates:

Adults (18+): €7.00

Groups (> 15 persons) & 65+: €5.00
Schools & children under 18: FREE

Tours:

The Archaeological Collection has no time restrictions or, if with a guide, every 30 minutes.

The sections on the main floor (Monte di Santa Rosalia, the Numismatic, Philatelic, and Sculpture Collections) can be visited only with a guide every 30 minutes.

Opening hours:

From March 1 to October 31: Tuesday - Sunday from 9.30 to 19.30
From November 1 to February 28: Tuesday - Friday from 9.30 to 14.30 (last admission 13.30)
Saturday and Sunday 9.30-19.30 (last admission 18.30)
Closed on Monday

 

Address:

Largo Gae Aulenti, 2
90133, Palermo

 

Online:

www.palazzobranciforte.it
Twitter: Palazzo Branciforte ‏(@Branciforte_Pa)
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