Museo d'Arte (MAN)

From past to present, the Museo d'Arte (MAN) museum is the only serious contemporary art gallery in Sardinia. Its permanent collection is a wonderful sample of 20th-century Sardinian art, including big-name artists such as Antonio Ballero, Giovanni Ciusa-Romagna, Mario Delitalia and abstract artist Mauro Manca. Local sculptors Francesco Ciusa and Costantino Nivola are also represented.

To see a bronze copy of Francesco Ciusa's Madre dell'Ucciso (Mother of the Killed), which won a prize at the Venice Biennale in 1907, you should visit the Chiesa di San Carlo (Piazza San Carlo).

This permanent show is usually accompanied by more wide-ranging temporary exhibits, usually held on the ground and top floors.

Feel inspired? Then head down the road to Galleria Il Portico, which sells the work of local artists, including some wonderful oils by Antonio Corriga.