The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sicily, known as MACS, is in Catania’s historic center, inside the Badia Piccola of the Monastery of San Benedetto. Its permanent collection brings together paintings, photography and sculpture by Sicilian and international artists. The compact exhibition gives you a change of pace from the city’s historic churches and buildings, with works made using varied materials and techniques. Scan the QR code at the start for descriptions; labels do not accompany the artworks throughout the visit.
A contemporary collection in a historic setting
MACS is housed in the Badia Piccola of the Monastery of San Benedetto, on Via Crociferi in Catania. The museum opened in 2013 with the aim of developing and promoting contemporary art in the region. Its permanent collection includes painting, sculpture and photography by artists from Sicily and other parts of the world.
The works use different materials and approaches, including paint, metal and glass. The collection also spans oil painting, photography and sculpture. It is a small exhibition, so you can focus on individual pieces without setting aside a full day.
Getting context for the artworks
Scan the QR code provided at the start of your visit. Descriptions are not placed beside each work as you move through the exhibition, so the code is the way to access further information while looking around.
Some paintings are positioned on staircases, and the lighting is not consistent throughout the space. Give yourself time to find a comfortable view of each piece. The compact visit works well if you want to add contemporary art to a day otherwise spent among Catania’s older landmarks.
FAQ
What kind of art is at MACS?
The collection includes contemporary paintings, photography and sculpture by Sicilian and international artists.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how closely you look at the works and whether you take photographs.
Are there descriptions beside the artworks?
No. Scan the QR code at the start of your visit to access descriptions.
Does the museum have a shop?
Yes. The shop has items such as cards and bookmarks featuring artworks.
