Santorini’s Archaeological Museum Reopens as Greece’s 27th Revamped Cultural Gem

Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, inaugurated the fully renovated Archaeological Museum of Thera in Santorini, marking it as the 27th museum delivered by the Ministry since 2019.The reopening, coinciding with the start of the island’s tourism season, transforms the museum into a modern cultural hub, showcasing Santorini’s rich heritage to a global audience.

“This is a landmark day for Santorini, the Cyclades, and Greece’s cultural legacy,” Mendoni declared. “In just six years, we’ve delivered 27 museums, either newly established or fully modernised—a record achievement made possible by our dedicated teams and strategic funding.” The museum, integrated into the Ministry’s Cultural Development Charter, is set to bolster Santorini’s status as a premier Mediterranean destination for cultural tourism.

The revamped museum, originally designed by architect Konstantinos Dekavallas after the 1956 earthquake, blends modernist aesthetics with cutting-edge facilities. Restoration work by the Cyclades Ephorate of Antiquities preserved its architectural charm while upgrading energy efficiency, accessibility, and security. The iconic “Kore of Thera,” a 2.48-metre archaic statue carved from Naxian marble, takes center stage. Unearthed in 2000 at the Sellada necropolis, the statue—now displayed on a state-of-the-art anti-seismic base designed by the National Technical University of Athens—symbolizes Santorini’s dynamic 7th-6th century BC era.

The inauguration also launched the “Cycladites: Unknown Stories of Cycladic Women” exhibition, co-organized by the Ministry and the Museum of Cycladic Art. First showcased in Athens, this groundbreaking display explores the evolving role of women in Cycladic societies from prehistory to post-Byzantine times. Highlighting artifacts like the Kore and rare Cycladic figurines, it connects past and present, inviting reflection on gender, identity, and autonomy.

Sandra Marinopoulou, President of the Museum of Cycladic Art, emphasised the historic collaboration: “Our partnership with the Ministry opens new avenues for studying and promoting Cycladic culture globally. ‘Cycladites’ is a milestone, and its arrival in Santorini celebrates this museum’s renewal.”

The event follows a spring of seismic activity on Santorini, underscoring the museum’s resilience. Attendees included Metropolitan Amfilochios of Thera, Deputy Minister Dionysios Stamenitis, Cyclades MPs, and local leaders. With its upgraded infrastructure and world-class exhibits, the Archaeological Museum of Thera cements Santorini’s place on the global cultural map.

Source: pagenews.gr