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Messina in Sicilia - Gallery and Theatre Vittorio Emanuele

The Galleria inaugurated in 1939, the building represents the major work of the local civil engineer and architect Camillo Puglisi Allegra, an important figure in the eclectic school of architecture. This building is one of only two examples of its kind in the south of Italy , the other being the gallery in Naples. Puglisi Allegra , who personally designed all the decorations (sculpted by the artists Bonfiglio and Lovetti) , drew inspiration from 18th century Sicilian Art. The extremely elegant effect was completed by the decorations in wrought iron, multicoloured windows and carefully designed lighting, based on lamps hidden behind cornices to give an effect of sheet light. The Theatre up until 1861 called the Sant'Elisabetta theatre, this building is the only example in the historic centre, and one of the few in the city as a whole, of neo classical architecture. It was constructed in 1852 according to the plans of the Neapolitan Pietro Valente , assisted by the local architect, Carlo Falconieri.

The sculptor Saro Zagari was responsible for the friezes on the front facade and the group of sculptures on the pediment, representing Time revealing Truth and showing it to Messina. The earthquake of 1908 left the building seriously unsafe , and the hall and stage (mostly wooden constructions) were subsequently lost. Between 1911 the rear section of the theatre was extended, to create a small auditorium still in use today, named after the local musician , Antonio Laudamo. The new theatre, which retains the perimeter walls of the front section wuth their neo-classical stuccoes and decorations, was not reopened to the public until 1985. Inside, the ceilling is decorated with the "Legend of Colapesce" by Renato Guttuso.

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