Museo dell'Acciuga e delle Arti Marinare

Today I went to visit this museum.I’d like to tell you what feelings I went through but no words could explain what my heart felt and how greatful I am for meeting a wonderful person like Michelangelo Balistreri who caught my attention and led me through memories of my past and made me feel my mum close to me once again. Thank you so much. I really don’t know how to explain this experience but to whoever reads this message, hope you have your chance of visiting this incredible place and meeting Michelangelo. Frances

My colleague and I are American professors that teach Culinary and Beverage Management in a Florida university. We were thrilled to visit this beautiful museum and learn from and spend time with Michelangelo. We especially enjoyed him sharing stories and singing beautiful Italian songs while playing traditional Italian musical instruments. There is so much history in Sicily and especially in this area. This is a place not to be missed on your next visit. Grazie!!!

I can't recommend this totally incredible museum highly enough. Michelangelo gives a great performance, introducing us to the world of fishing, his family, his love of his country and of life, all at the same time, as he passes through the rooms like windows on moments in life. We are both spectators and actors. Over and above all the interesting information about anchovy fishing, it's a marvellous journey back in time, an enriching, funny and powerful experience that you'll want to take with you in your luggage. If you're in Sicily, be sure to visit this unique museum! Just below the fish shop, which is well worth a visit, is Emilio's exhibition of extraordinary works of art made from recycled scratch cards!

It was an amazing experience to tour the museum with Michelangelo. You MUST visit this place.

I had an unbelievable experience today in this museum, which is rather than a museum an exquisite journey through Sicilian history. Michelangelo takes you on a trip telling stories about the history of anchovy fishing and the local town, showing rooms of beautiful artifacts, singing Sicilian music, and playing beautiful cinematography. It is a unique experience, and one of the best things one can do in Sicily. Thanks again to all the people involved with this museum!

What can I say that hasn't already been said? This is a "living" museum, meaning that as a visitor, you participate in the experience. Michelangelo is a performer and you help him complete the performance. He really loves what he does and he gives all that he has. Of course the museum itself is amazing as well. This area of Sicily is rich in the history of "acciuga". Most, if not all, the artifacts in the museum are from the area. It is a vast collection. I was pleasantly surprised. Just visit. It will be time well spent!

The Museum of Anchovies and Marine Arts of Aspra left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. This place is an embodiment of passion and devotion, a labor of love crafted by the Balistreri brothers, Girolamo and Michelangelo. Their meticulous collection of marine art and artifacts from family businesses and factories across Sicily is a testament to their dedication.

Stepping into this museum felt like embarking on a unique and exclusive voyage through time. The relics, documents, and tools on display painted a vivid picture of centuries of anchovy salting traditions in Sicily. The journey was as exciting as it was educational, a remarkable exploration into the history of fishing that has shaped the identity of the island.

The museum is a treasure trove, housing a rich variety of fishing tools and intricate models of artisanal fishing boats. As I wandered through this captivating space, I couldn't help but feel a profound connection with the men who had dedicated their lives to this arduous and artful craft.

The Balistreri family's commitment to their heritage shines through every corner of the museum. Their vision of creating a living space where stories of seafarers and fishermen can be preserved and shared is truly commendable. The boats, objects, and documents showcased within these walls give voice to stories that might have otherwise faded away, offering an invaluable opportunity to revitalize coastal communities and promote new enterprises.

Beyond its role as a repository of history, the museum is a dynamic hub that fosters engagement. The exhibitions, workshops, and connections it cultivates with schools and the larger community showcase its profound impact. This museum not only celebrates the past but also plants seeds for a vibrant future.

My visit to the Museum of Anchovies and Marine Arts of Aspra was a journey through time and culture, an experience that has enriched my understanding of Sicily's maritime heritage and history. This encounter will remain etched in my memory forever, a testament to the significance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape us.

A beautiful story of love and hard work of the Sicilian people a must place to visit and experience the interactive presentation by Michelangelo

This is a gem of a 'museum' ...If you have the chance to visit take it- you will not be disappointed!
Through this setting & experience Micelangelo and his family are honouring Sicilys past,acknowledging its present & striving to ensure a better future generations to come.Serious subjects are illustrated,spoken& sung about .....with seriousness,fun,laughter & respect.

Worth every moment. This is a gem that is as rare as it gets. History recounted from experiences lived and from those who were there. A bit out of the way but worth the effort. You will not regret it.

Wonderful place!

Top!

An unforgettable experience in every way!

The owner is warm, entertaining and charming.

Highly cultural and unique

Super cool and interesting

5 stelle sono poche per recensire questo luogo. Un museo che racconta la storia della pesca dell'acciuga, ma che diventa racconto di una località di mare e delle persone che lo abitano. Michelangelo Balistreri, un moderno cantastorie, vi accompagnerà in questa visita, raccontando, cantando, recitando la storia di Aspra, delle sue tradizioni e della pesca.

La visita non è passiva, ma interattiva, vivace, in cui si affrontano diversi argomenti, dal cinema che ha raccontato la Sicilia, alla lotta alla mafia, etc. Una visita davvero consigliata.

Un museo che sorprende per la creatività che si respira al suo interno.
Ospita opere di artisti locali straordinarie e significative per la storia e la cultura del territorio.
Pregevoli le sculture di radici di ulivo.
Michelangelo,magnifico esempio di vero anfitrione e di come andrebbero gestiti tutti i musei.
Entri da visitatore ne esci pieno d’ispirazione.
complimenti.

“Penso che le persone creative siano le persone più fortunate sulla terra.
So che non ci sono scorciatoie, ma devi mantenere la tua fede in qualcosa di più grande di te e continuare a fare ciò che ami.
Fai ciò che ami e troverai il modo di farlo conoscere al mondo.”

cit.Judy Collins
Cantautrice Folk Statunitense.

"L'unico museo dove entri da estraneo ed esci famiglia"... Mai frase fu più vera!

Un posto dove conoscere la storia di una famiglia e di un'intera epoca. Un luogo fatto di ricordi, esperienze, sogni ed emozioni. Un museo vivo, reale e surreale contemporaneamente, dove poter incontrare persone che sono "favole vive". Narrazioni che ti trasportano lontano nel tempo, nei luoghi e dentro vicende che ti sembra di poter rivivere in prima persona.

È bello sapere che esistono luoghi come questo che ti danno l'opportunità di sognare almeno per un po'. Dove si percepisce quanto chi lo ha pensato, progetto e messo in opera, si sia adoperato con tutto l'amore possibile.

Insomma... Andateci e non ve ne pentirete!

Molto interessante, anche perché non si limita a tutti ciò che riguarda le acciughe. Consiglio vivamente di visitarlo con la guida di Michelangelo Balistreri, che si è rivelato un contastorie, poeta e teatrante di grande empatia, che ha coinvolto tutti noi visitatori a vivere tutto un mondo perduto della nostra Isola e della nostra Storia! Ci ritornerò con amici perché sono tante le cose da approfondire che una mattinata intera non basta! Singolare anche la mostra di opere fatte, con sapiente maestria, con le cartine dei "Gratta e Vinci"!