Guglielmo II

The historical complex “Guglielmo II” covers a territory of about 8,500 square meters and it is an example of a classic convent architecture: it develops from an quadrilateral inside of which there is an internal courtyard and on which two “arms” are visible. They originate from the tower system connection which made up the ancient fortification of the convent structure.
The planning action is about the setting up of a narrative museum.
The routes visitors are expected to follow will begin on the first floor, which will be accessible by means of the grand majestic stairway, the path will then develop along three galleries East of the historical complex.
Some fundamental thematic areas have been especially picked out (The cathedral of Monreale and the mosaics, the Diocese within its contexts of territorial configuration and royal policy, architecture during the Norman period, the kingdom, the court and royalty and cultural syncretism)
The first thematic area, which will develop along the central gallery, deals with the theme of the cathedral of Monreale and the mosaics.
The second thematic area, dedicated to the Diocese, will find its place inside the gallery overlooking the cloister.
Finally, the third thematic area, located in the gallery facing the courtyard, will deal with the remaining themes: architecture in the Norman age, cultural syncretism and kingdom and royalty.
Thanks to this new distributional organization of the museum, the routing of visitors flows easily over the two levels, offering both spaces for some rest and special contemplative spots (like the Scriptorium hall, on the first floor, which overlooks the cloister), as well as places for recreational and refreshment purposes. Activities connected to the museum such as the bookshop and art shop, the cafeteria and restaurant are located in a position which is intimately connected to the exceptional “plant architectures” in the public gardens.