The re-exhibition of the masterpieces of the Elefsina Archaeological Museum

The re-exhibition of the masterpieces of the Elefsina Archaeological Museum was inaugurated by the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni. This is one of the first archaeological museums of Greece, which reflects the museum and architectural concepts of its time. The re-exhibition aims to modernize the museological approach and exhibition presentation, to transmit the scientific discourse in an understandable way, to upgrade the communication dynamics and educational function of the exhibition through the use of audiovisual media, in order to revive domestic and international interest in Elefsina and its history.

As Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni said in her welcome address, “Implementing the relevant commitment of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture and Sports proceeded with the acquisition of the building complex of the Olive Oil Factory, in order to house the New Archaeological Museum of Elefsina, as well as hosting actions of contemporary artistic expression. A few days ago, the Council of Museums gave a positive opinion on the building plan for the new museum, with an area of approximately 4,500 square metres, and preliminary steps have already been taken to launch the tender for the necessary studies by the summer. However, until the long-standing demand for the New Museum takes shape, the Ministry has proceeded with the necessary actions for the upgrading of the infrastructure, the re-exhibition of the permanent collection and the enrichment of the audiovisual and visual aids, and the overall upgrading of the visitors’ experience of the existing Archaeological Museum, which is organically linked to the Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Cora, where the Great Mysteries were performed for centuries. The building core of the Museum dates back to the end of the 19th century, one of the oldest in Greece, with subsequent additions, modifications and repairs of various periods, the last of which was made after the great earthquake of 1999. For the realization of this absolutely necessary and important project, which is today attributed to the general public, many Services of the Ministry of Culture and Sports worked hard and methodically, led by the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica. However, the project could not have been completed in time, if it were not for the valuable and decisive contribution of the Pavlos and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation, which with a donation of 500,000 € not only assisted the Ministry financially, but also acted as a catalyst in shortening the implementation time of the project.

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