The Sicilian Regional Gallery (Galleria Regionale della Sicilia) is housed in Palazzo Abatellis, built in 1490-95 by Matteo Carnalivari in late Gothic-Catalan form with Renaissance influences. The sumptuous residence was commissioned by Francesco Abatellis, the royal “Pretore” (magistrate) of Palermo, and his wife Eleonora Soler. The building was seriously damaged during World War II and restored in 1954 by Carlo Scarpa. Its rooms house an important collection of sculptures and paintings by renowned Sicilian and European artist, particularly from the 14C and 16C. The entrance and courtyard rooms display sculptures from different ages and by different artist, statues, stonework and pottery, architectural fragments and the coat of arms of the Abatellis as well as of other Sicilian noble families. The Museum has sixteen exhibition rooms which alternately display painting and sculpture masterpieces, including the works of such great painters and sculptors as Francesco Laurana, Antonello da Messina, Antonello Gagini and his school, Domenico Gagini, Serpotta and other renowned artists.

For its vast collection of Greek and Roman works, the Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale) is one of the foremost archaeological museums in Italy.