Museo Giuseppe Whitaker
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Located on Motya Island, Museo Giuseppe Whitaker displays artifacts from ancient Phoenician and Carthaginian civilizations, including the renowned Motya Charioteer statue.
Planning your visit
Motya was a Phoenician city on an island in the lagoon off Marsala, founded in the eighth century BC, destroyed by Syracuse in 397 BC and never rebuilt — which means the site was sealed rather than overbuilt, and the archaeology is exceptional.
Joseph Whitaker, of the Anglo-Sicilian marsala wine family, bought the island in 1902 and excavated it, and his house holds the museum.
The Motya Charioteer is the reason to come: a marble youth in a pleated tunic, carved around 460 BC in a Greek style but found in a Phoenician city, whose identity and purpose are still argued over. It is one of the finest classical sculptures anywhere and is displayed almost alone.
Phoenician stelae, ceramics, jewellery and the tophet material fill the rest.
The island is reached by a short boat crossing. Allow two hours. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Museo Giuseppe Whitaker?
Museo Giuseppe Whitaker is in Marsala, Italy. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Museo Giuseppe Whitaker?
Allow two hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book Museo Giuseppe Whitaker in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.