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The unique modern art sculptures museum in a still active 6 million years old salt mine
More than 80 km of tunnels make up the mining site of the Sale Italkali mine in Raffo, a suburb of Petralia Soprana, in the mountains of Palermo.
Formed six million years ago due to a series of rare geological events and the drying up of the Mediterranean Sea, this field of pure rock salt, in the shape of a lying egg, almost a kilometer long, houses MACSS by its concession by the Italkali Company. Museum of Contemporary Art SottoSale, which with its rock salt sculptures represents a unique case of a museum of contemporary art inside an active mine.
Forty works, the result of 6 biennials (2011-2023) make up the body of works, which unfold along an artistic, natural and geological path that has an incredible value. A suggestion that in about an hour allows us to discover the geological history of Sicily enriched by contemporary artistic testimonies.
The sculptures, made outside the mine, at the end of the biennale are relocated here, where a dry and moisture-free climate preserves them.
The visit winds along an itinerary of 400 meters in the plain, provides a geological explanation with multimedia material, then a visit to the Museum, with specialized guides that illustrate the works.
– BOOKING ON TIME IS ALWAYS MANDATORY –
The use of comfortable shoes is recommended.
Access to the Museum is subject to signing a release, children under the age of 12 cannot enter. Pets are absolutely not permitted.
Since the mine is active and operational, access to the production area is prohibited, for the Museum access is strictly subject to safety procedures. ‘The museum will be open on extraordinary dates communicated in advance on social channels.