User:Ctardif5/Palermo

Art
Palermo exhibits a wide array of historical and modern art, including intricate Sicilian architecture, Byzantine mosaics, street art exhibits, and multiple acclaimed art galleries. Many existing structures were built as early as the 12th century and highlight the advanced craftsmanship of architects during the mid-late Medieval period. The Capella Palatina, completed in in 1143 CE under the direction of Roger II, exemplifies this delicate form of creation, as well as displaying the Arab and Norman influences on the architecture of this era. Throughout the city, various Baroque-style statues and fountains from the 17th century remain in exceptional condition.

The physical expression of creativity continues to evolve in Palermo, notably in the widespread street art that is visible throughout the city. Artists from around the world and Palermo alike produce lasting masterpieces on buildings across the city. Additionally, Palermo is home to multiple art galleries that display creations from many eras in a more traditional setting. Most famously of these is the Galleria Regionale, housed in the Palazzo Abatellis, which holds paintings, sculptures, decorative ceramics and other Sicilian creations, dating back as early as the 12th century. This iconic facility endured considerable damage during WWII and required extensive repairs to restore its structural and aesthetic condition. The nearby Galleria d'Arte Moderna Sant'Anna is another prominent art gallery that exhibits local, Sicilian creations from the late 19th and early-mid 20th centuries.

Music
The city of Palermo is home to multiple iconic venues that regularly host musical performances. The most prominent of these are the Teatro Massimo and the Teatro Politeama. The Teatro Massimo originally opened in 1897 and was primarily designed to serve as an opera house, but occasionally hosts orchestras and other classical music performances. The Teatro Politeama, which began operating in 1874, also focuses on classical music, including pianists, orchestras, and horn instruments, but does not host theatrical performances regularly. Palermo also serves those who prefer current musical trends, offering various night clubs, bars and intimate music venues that feature electronic, rock, pop, and jazz music. Occasional music festivals occur as, attracting large audiences to temporary outdoor venues and typically consisting of music that appeals to a young adult crowd, such as rock and roll or electronic music.