Palazzo Butera — Attraction in Palermo

Palazzo Butera is a stunning Baroque-style aristocratic palace located in the historic Kalsa district, facing the Mediterranean. Originally dating back to the late 17th century, it reached its present architectural grandeur in the mid-18th century. The palace was the residence of the noble Branciforte family, later the Princes of Butera, and its monumental size is second only to the Royal Palace of Palermo. Architecturally, Palazzo Butera impresses with its terraced facade overlooking the sea, frescoed halls with ceilings up to 7 meters high, and intricate stucco work and vibrant frescoes by artists such as Gioacchino Martorana and Olivio Sozzi. The palace features two grand 'piani nobili' (noble floors), both richly decorated and historically significant, offering a rare glimpse into aristocratic life in Sicily. The building harmonizes its historic Baroque elegance with contemporary art installations from its current function as a center for cultural innovation and art exhibitions. The palazzo has undergone extensive restoration, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub that blends its glorious past with modern artistic expressions. It houses the remarkable art collection of Massimo and Francesca Valsecchi, who have revitalized the palace with a focus on artistic and social innovation. Here you can admire the dialogue between the ancient frescoed halls and contemporary artworks, making Palazzo Butera a must-visit for art lovers and those interested in Sicilian history and aristocratic heritage. Beyond its architectural beauty and art collection, the palace offers spectacular views from its long sea-facing terraces. Visiting Palazzo Butera provides an immersive experience into both Palermo's rich history and its dynamic...

The palazzo Butera has found the perfect balance between a contemporary feel all while preserving its prestigious past. You don't enter a museum. you are an invited guest in a house where the owners are simply out of sight. Don't misunderstand me. The rooms are not inhabited. Items are on display, as is furniture. But the impression that we are allowed a peak at a collection that seems very personal and "emotionally motivated" rather than a simple investment is palpable. The house itself is incredible and worth a visit even if its content might not be your cup of tea. I would advise, before visiting the whole house, to take the time to sit and watch the video showing the renovation process. It sheds a different -abd clearly very appreciative!- light on all the rooms you will walk in. The outside terrace is just incredible and don't miss the roof visit, with its view on Palermo and the sea and the genius idea the owners had to not renovate everything to perfection. You will enter a room where the wood ceiling can be partially seen, you will also have the opportunity to see from above the ancient woodwork needed to achieve a curved ceiling...this visit is a mix between an architectural discovery, a storytelling if the past, a contemporary walk into the world of artists and a zen experiment when strolling in the inside court and on the terrace. We ended ou visit with a stop at the café, where we had not so great desserts (but I guess that this is quite subjective) but incredible polpete Di carne topped with pickled onions....definitely...

Amazing! This baroque Palace used to be the residence of one of Sicily's most important noble families. Now, thanks to the vision of an Italian philanthropist, it has been completely restored to its former glory and converted into a very unique contemporary art gallery. However, this is not your usual art museum. The contemporary works interact with the historic building, with art installations created by important artists specifically for this place. Other works from the personal collection of the owner are present, ranging from design picese to paintings and sculptures.

There is no audioguide, but a little book that visitors can take with them. The idea is that one should be guided by his/her own curiosity, rather than being told what to look at.

We enjoyed the visit very much. It is very impressive to see this mix of modern, contemporary and baroque, tastefully and harmoniously interacting.

I think it is an absolute must visit...