Skip the Line in Palermo: Museum of Marionette Antonio Pasqualino

Palermo , Italy

Skip the Line in Palermo: Museum of Marionette Antonio Pasqualino

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Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

In 1975, Antonio Pasqualino founded the International Puppet Museum in his native Palermo, creating a home for the Pupi marionettes as well as for the large collection of puppetry material from several European countries and the Far East, including France, Spain, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, and many others.

The Museum is spread over three floors and houses a number of exhibition spaces, a bookshop, a library, a video and a film library, and a performance space capable of accommodating a large theater program.

The International Museum of Marionettes is a gem among the museums of Sicily, as it preserves and perpetuates a theatrical form the UNESCO declared part of the "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" (in 2001) – the Sicilian “Opera dei Pupi.”

The Museum is a place full of charm, history, and stories, an unusual and precious window onto the history and folk traditions of Sicily – and the world.

Available options

Palermo Digital Audio Guide

Digital Audio Guide + ticket: Explore the entire city independently with the audio guide app and visit the museum with the official admission ticket.

marionette

Official Entrance Ticket

What's included

Entrance Ticket

Detailed itinerary

Discover Antonio Pasqualino's renowned puppetry collection of over three thousand pieces from Italy and abroad. You'll find Sicilian marionettes (“pupi”), Japanese Bunraku puppets, and figures made by contemporary artists such as Enrico Baj, Renato Guttuso, and Polish director Tadeusz Kantor. You'll also find many shadow theater puppets from the Indonesian Wayang Kulit and Wayang Golek traditions, as well as from the Cambodian Sbek Thom traditions, both of them declared “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity World Heritage” by the UNESCO.

What's not included

No guide included

Snacks

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS VOUCHER TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE MUSEUM
• Be reminded that Weekend in Italy will send you by email the ONLY voucher / ticket accepted by the museum for the visit. Please make sure you receive it and print it before going to the appointment, as voucher issued by Viator will not allow you the entrance at the museum.
• Please print and present Weekend in Italy confirmation voucher in order to redeem your tickets at the moment of the visit
• Please take the voucher with you to the museum, to pick tickets up the date of the visit, at the reservation cashier 15 minutes before the confirmed time
• Important - Please Note: The time you select on the order form is your preferred time; the museum will automatically confirm the closest available time, which can be any time during opening hours on the selected date, if your preferred time is no longer available.

About Palermo

Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique cultural blend. Known for its Norman-Arab-Byzantine influences, Palermo offers a mix of grand palaces, bustling markets, and delicious street food that will captivate any traveler.

Top Attractions

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful interior.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €7 for the cathedral and cloister

Palermo Cathedral

This grand palace was the seat of the Norman kings of Sicily. It houses the Palatine Chapel, known for its stunning mosaics and Arabic-Norman architecture.

Historical/Architectural 1.5-2 hours €12 for the palace and chapel

Ballarò Market

One of Palermo's most famous street markets, Ballarò offers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh produce, street food, and local crafts.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to explore

Monreale Cathedral

Located just outside Palermo, Monreale Cathedral is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours including travel €6 for the cathedral and cloister

Teatro Massimo

The largest opera house in Italy and one of the most famous in the world, Teatro Massimo is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture.

Architectural/Entertainment 1 hour for a tour €7 for a guided tour

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Panelle

Chickpea fritters, a popular street food in Palermo.

Snack Vegan

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Swimming and snorkeling at Mondello Beach Beach lounging at Mondello Beach Enjoying a leisurely meal at a seaside restaurant Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours to the nearby islands Swimming and water sports at the beach

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time), GMT+2 during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Palermo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you

Getting there

By air

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 32 km from city center

By train

Palermo Centrale

By bus

Palermo Centrale Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Palermo. It's affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalsa Vigàta Mondello

Day trips

Monreale

7 km • Half day

Monreale is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and the Benedictine Abbey.

Cefalù

70 km • Full day

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beach and medieval cathedral.

Erice

120 km • Full day

A medieval hilltop town with stunning views and well-preserved architecture.

Festivals

Festa di Santa Rosalia • July 10-15 Sagra del Mandarino • January to February Palermo Pride • June

Pro tips

Visit the markets early in the morning for the best selection and freshest produce
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Take a food tour to discover the best street food and local specialties
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets
Visit the cathedral and other religious sites early in the morning to avoid crowds