Siracusa has inaugurated Siramuse, an immersive exhibition space showcasing the city’s history through interactive journeys guided by eight pivotal figures: Saint Lucy, Aeschylus, Caravaggio, Archimedes, Plato, archaeologist Paolo Orsi, Frederick II, and free-diving champion Enzo Maiorca. This pioneering public-private partnership – Sicily’s first under Italy’s cultural heritage procurement code – transformed the former Montevergini Art Gallery adjacent to the Cathedral in Ortigia.
Developed by Civita Sicilia with Istituto per il Credito Sportivo, Siramuse aims to deepen engagement with the city’s heritage. “Our ambition is to invite exploration through these figures,” stated Civita Sicilia CEO Renata Sansone. “Why did the Greeks choose this island? Why did Plato visit three times to advocate for the Republic to tyrants? This land shaped history.” The multilingual project (five languages total) prioritizes accessibility, offering tools for visitors with cognitive and sensory differences.
Mayor Francesco Italia hailed the museum as groundbreaking for Sicily’s cultural sector: “Siracusa pioneers this path today. We return Montevergini Gallery, in Ortigia’s heart, to public use – now barrier-free and family-friendly.”
Curated by Civita Sicilia with museologist Anna Villari, Siramuse features six thematic areas:
1. **Light & Apparition:** An immersive experience with Caravaggio’s “Burial of Saint Lucy”.
2. **The Science:** Revives the life and works of Syracusan genius Archimedes.
3. **Theatre & Political Tribune:** Actor interpretation and technology within a Greek Theatre setting bring Plato and Aeschylus to life.
4. **The Excavation:** Visitors undertake a playful exploration guided by archaeologist Paolo Orsi.
5. **The Falcon’s Flight:** Frederick II’s falconry expertise inspires a poetic, dynamic interpretation of his legacy through imagery.
6. **Deep Blue:** A tribute to the sea and environmental protection, guided by champion diver and conservationist Enzo Maiorca.
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