MuMe illustrates the development of art and culture in Messina from the 12th to the 18th centuries, with outstanding figures such as the renowned artists Andrea della Robbia, Antonello da Messina, Girolamo Alibrandi, Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi), and Polidoro da Caravaggio.

Over the years the building has been considerably restructured in order to guarantee the exhibits the best possible conditions for their preservation; the last major work was carried out in the 1980s.

First opened in 1806 as the Museo civico peloritano by the Reale Accademia Peloritana "to end the despoliation of art", its formation was the idea of its first director Carmelo La Farina.

Their artists include Antonello da Messina, Mattia Preti, Caravaggio, Girolamo Alibrandi, Vincenzo Catena, Annibale Carracci and Francesco Laurana.

Caravaggio Antonello da Messina Colijn de Coter Mattia Preti Mario Minniti Antonello de Saliba Girolamo Alibrandi Alessandro Allori Letterio Subba The Goddess Calypso Welcoming Telemachus Cupid and Psyche Orion, Founder of Messina The Nymphs Lapizia and Fetusa Receiving the First Hare Killed by Orion Foundation of the Compagnia dei verdi L'Addolorata Mary Magdalene at Christ's Feet Nativity of the Virgin Embassy of the citizens of Messina to the Virgin Mary Matthias Stomer Mucius Scaevola in the Presence of Lars Porsena Adoration of the Shepherds Antonello Gagini Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli Francesco Laurana Goro di Gregorio Rinaldo Bonanno Antonello Freri Martino Montanini Victory or Peace and Bravery