博物馆 The Museum

The former Monastery of Santa Chiara was founded at the behest of Baron Antonio Paternò, who, as a sign of devotion, donated his house and his possessions for the construction of a religious building. These assets were later joined by those of Chiara Statella, a benefactress and Clarissan nun who contributed significantly to the project. Construction of the monastery began in 1563, but the complex suffered severe damage due to the devastating 1693 Val di Noto earthquake. Starting in 1760, the building was reconstructed according to the design of architect Giuseppe Palazzotto.

The Monastery of Santa Chiara is also known for being the setting chosen by the Catanese writer Giovanni Verga for his 1871 epistolary novel Story of a Blackcap, giving the site literary as well as historical value. The religious order was suppressed in 1882 and, over time, the structure underwent various transformations. At the end of the 19th century, the western wing of the building became home to the Public Dormitory.

Throughout the 20th century, the building experienced numerous changes. After the bombings of the Second World War, the complex was rebuilt and, from 1952 to 1979, it was managed by the E.C.A. (Municipal Assistance Authority). In 1983, the monastery was closed for restoration work. Beginning in 2013, the complex underwent new renovation works which, among other things, involved the demolition of an inner building constructed in the 1960s.

Over the years, the southern part of the monastery has housed various municipal offices, including the registry office, which remained there until December 1, 2015, when it was relocated. In 2019, the structure became the home of the GAM – Gallery of Modern Art, an important cultural center that enriches the city of Catania with significant exhibitions.

In 2024, the monastery hosted the prestigious exhibition “Caravaggio: The Truth of Light”, open to visitors from June 2 to October 6, 2024. Furthermore, following the closure of Castello Ursino for restoration work and the transfer of several artworks, the Monastery of Santa Chiara became the city’s new Museum Hub, inaugurated in July 2025 with the exhibition “Romantica: Faces, Images, and Cross-pollinations of 19th-Century Sicily” and with the return of the “Rediscovered Kouros,” on display until July 2026.