The foundation of the Madralisca Museum of Cefalù is dued to baron Enrico Piraino di Mandralisca, that gathered in her rather short life (1809-1864), many art objects by putting them in his home, where they still are located. In the seat is also preserved in the archives of the museum and the foundation on the basis of which it is possible to reconstruct in detail the history of the institution. Enrico Piraino, a fervent supporter of the ideals of the Risorgimento, had the idea of earmarking the collection (works of art, books, coins, archaeological finds, scientific instruments, malacologiche collections and archives) to his fellow citizens, in order to promote the establishment of a class popular town evolved, responsible and in step with the times. In this way you distaccava from tradition strongly driven in the direction of aristocratic Sicilian scholars of the previous century.
The Mandralisca Museum is a museum that is interdisciplinary, comprising archaeological pieces, the pinacoteca, a malacological collection, the monetary and even furniture and other prestigious objects. The Library of the Foundation is allocated in the same premises of the museum, and in its services, interwoven with those of the latter. The library, destined to public use by its founder, replaces today a public library town.
fondazione.mandralisca@gmail.com