Culture in Focus: Over €1.3 Billion Invested in 850 Cultural Projects

Citizen Feedback and Evaluation

Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, has launched an unprecedented survey to evaluate the ministry’s services directly from citizens. Conducted between September 14 and October 1, the independent study involved 1,062 interviews and showed that citizens generally view the services at archaeological sites positively. It also highlighted areas where improvements are needed.

“This is the first time the Ministry of Culture has conducted such a survey to evaluate its policies. It requires a more technocratic approach, but above all, it is a matter of accountability: we asked society to tell us what we are doing well and what we could improve,” Mendoni stated, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.

She also highlighted the economic impact of cultural investments. “A recent socioeconomic study showed that every €1 invested in culture yields €3.44 in return,” she said, noting that cultural spending has a multiplier effect on the economy and local development.

Major Projects and Infrastructure

Currently, the Ministry of Culture is implementing the largest infrastructure program in its history, covering archaeological sites, museums, renovations, and digital services. “From 2019 to today, we have completed over 850 projects, and with the latest additions, the total investment has surpassed €1.3 billion,” Mendoni said, emphasizing that Greece is making long-term investments in cultural development.

The survey also showed that visitors particularly appreciate innovations in cultural sites, such as new cafes, gift shops, and exhibition spaces. “Innovations like these capture visitors’ attention. Experiments at the Syntagma gift shop, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Heraklion Museum demonstrated that private management can deliver much better results,” she explained, referring to the planned privatization of 21 gift shops.

Mendoni stressed that private management does not equate to commercialization of culture, but rather provides tools to enhance visitor experience and ensure sustainability of services.

National Heritage and International Relations

At the same time, the ministry remains focused on the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles, a process complicated by historical, legal, and diplomatic factors. Mendoni stated:

“Significant steps have been taken on both sides, but reaching an agreement is not easy. Both sides have their ‘red lines.’”

Discussions continue discreetly, while the ministry also works to promote Greek culture internationally and strengthen its presence in museums and exhibitions worldwide.

Strategic and Economic Multiplier

Through these policies, the Ministry of Culture is not only safeguarding cultural heritage but also boosting economic activity around culture. Investment in infrastructure and assessment of visitor experience act as a multiplier for tourism, job creation, and the country’s international image.

“Public investment in culture is not a cost; it is an investment that pays off multiple times,” Mendoni emphasized, reinforcing the argument for continuing and expanding these projects.

With new investments, innovations at archaeological sites, and careful international diplomacy, the Ministry of Culture is laying the foundations for a new era in Greece’s cultural landscape. The country demonstrates that it can combine respect for its heritage, transparency in governance, and effective resource utilization to promote Greek identity and sustainable development.