Tusa launches Antiquarium project linking historic centre with Halaesa Arconidea

The town of Tusa in Sicily has inaugurated the Antiquarium art project, a collaboration between local authorities, universities and cultural organisations. A contemporary ceramic sculpture by Daniele Franzella—featuring eyes that symbolize a living gaze toward citizens—has been installed at the ancient gate in Largo Notarile, creating a visual bridge between the historic centre and the nearby archaeological site of Halaesa Arconidea.

Antiquarium is part of the Factus Festival 2026 and is funded under Mission 1 of Italy’s PNRR (Attractiveness of Small Towns). The project involved the French University of Amiens and the universities of Oxford, Messina and Palermo, and includes an accompanying exhibition curated by Alessandro Pinto inside the Halaesa site. The installation and exhibition are open to the public until 20 September, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Mayor Angelo Tudisca highlighted the initiative as a way to revitalize cultural heritage and promote Tusa as a cultural destination, complementing other PNRR‑financed upgrades such as co‑working spaces, smart benches and student housing.