Piazza Antonello transforms in the name of the Master: central roundabout, pedestrian area, and Antonelliano Museum

The idea of transforming Piazza Antonello into a place of memory to pay tribute to the great painter from Messina after whom it is named takes shape from a suggestion.

Thus, the rendering by architect Luciano Giannone was born, giving form to the dream of former Cultural Councillor Enzo Caruso to create a place where the people of Messina and tourists can meet the painter.

After “The Places of Memory”, a project that saw plaques placed on monuments, buildings, and squares frequented by the master or reproduced in his works, such as the apses of the Church of San Francesco all’Immacolata or the bronze reproduction of Saint Jerome in the studio at Palacultura, the possibility of giving a new shape to the current Piazza Antonello takes form.

One of the most well-known squares, often a starting point for parades and events, could change its face.

In the vision of Caruso and Giannone, the traffic lights would be removed, and a large central roundabout would be created.

A central pedestrian area is also planned, paved in harmony with the architectural style of the surrounding buildings, with a statue in the center depicting Antonello da Messina or a contemporary work dedicated to him.

A place that would be experienced differently by residents, as has already happened in other city areas.

The “Museo Antonelliano-Casa Museo Antonello” will also pay the right tribute to the painter from Messina.

A virtual and interactive exhibition space to retrace the main stages of the painter's life and work.

It will rise in place of the former Ismig building (Sicilian Institute for the Mutilated and Disabled Veterans) on Via Monsignor Bruno, owned by the Municipality and long disused.

Demolition will begin in June.

It is located in the ancient neighborhood of the Sicofanti, where Antonello worked.