Museum of Majolica in Palermo
When we talk about Italian art we do not only refer to painting or sculpture, but also to everything that concerns the culture of the artisans. A good example is the Museum of Majolica in Palermo, located in the Stanze al Genio.
Among the aspects that most characterize our beautiful Italy there is certainly the ability to keep alive the traditions in every field, and the artistic is no exception. Art is intrinsically part of Italian history, finding expression in a large number of sectors.
It is a real collection of ancient tiles, which comes to collect almost 5000 pieces. If you are planning a visit to Palermo we suggest you consider spending time in these rooms, to discover the real value of the work of the artisans of the past.
The origin of the Majolica Museum
Pio Mellina, a collector of ancient majolica, started this project in 2008 and decided to show to the public what he had collected over the decades. In setting up this project was certainly not alone: together with him should be mentioned David Samson and Antonio Perna. The exhibition is very large and articulated, and includes tiles that date back to the fifteenth century.
The Majolica Museum is focused on the collection of ancient tiles, but over time it has expanded, and today visitors can also take a look at other important valuable evidence from the world of craftsmanship, including an exhibition dedicated to vintage stationery and one with a focus on current ceramic art. There is really to be amazed by what the association Stanze al Genio has been able to achieve in just over 15 years.
The structure of the museum
The Museo delle Maioliche Stanze al Genio was built inside an ancient building, the Palazzo Torre Pirajno. The property was built in the seventeenth century. The state of conservation of the building is really good, making it an important trace of the architecture of Palermo of the ‘700.
The museum consists of a total of nine rooms, located in the main floor of the building. The name “Stanze al Genio” derives from the location of the building, a few steps from the nearby Piazza della Rivoluzione, where the Fontana del Genio is located.
In recent years the rooms have been renovated, and today you can admire not only the original flooring, but also all the frescoes dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Over time these works had remained hidden under several layers of plaster, but the work of professional restorers allowed to achieve a truly incredible result. We must not forget that Palazzo Torre Pirajno was a truly prestigious building, and its aura can be seen even today walking through these austere rooms.
Foto : Fai Fondo Ambiente
Book a guided tour
If your intention is to visit the Museum of Majolica Rooms at the Genius we recommend you book. The museum is open and active at any time of the year, but during the holidays it is a good idea to check, perhaps by contacting the structure directly via their website.
Booking is not mandatory, but is also recommended, so you can be sure that you can face a guided tour compatible with your schedules. There are many who during a holiday prefer to organize every stage down to the smallest detail.
The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, and it is essential to appreciate in the best way all the objects in the nine rooms that make up the museum. It is in fact a unique museum.
During the visit you will pass through all nine rooms that make up the Majolica Museum. Each room houses a specific collection of majolica, which have been organized taking into account both the period of production and the place (indicatively the geographical division is between the objects made in Sicily and those that instead come from Campania).
An opportunity to experience Palermo
If you are in Palermo you will not have difficulty reaching the Majolica Museum. It is located in the Kalsa district, which is one of the central areas of Palermo. A few steps away is the station of Palermo Centrale, so if you arrive in the city by train you can take the opportunity to organize a guided tour inside the museum.
The location of the Stanze al Genio makes this place an excellent stop for those who want to spend a day in the historic center of Palermo. In the surrounding area there are bars and restaurants of all kinds. Take the opportunity to try the local dishes, including street food, such as arancina, and delicious desserts, such as the famous Sicilian cannolo. There is no shortage of proposals.
Taking a look around the Museum of Majolica you will surely find a good restaurant to taste some local wine. We advise you to taste good Nero d’Avola, taking care that it has been produced in the area. Or you can rely on the advice of restaurateurs, who will give you all the indications to taste the most suitable wine for your palate.
Copertina: Fai Fondo Ambiente
