- MUSEUM OF PREHISTORICAL THIRA (FIRA) Tel.: +30 22860 23217
The museum of Prehistoric Thera in Fira is considered as one of the most important museums in Greece.
Its special contents are masterpieces of art in the prehistoric Aegean, such as the famous wall paintings and the unique gold ibex figurine. The museum houses finds from the excavations at Akrtotiri, conducted under the auspices of the Archaeological Society at Athens, the earlier excavations at Potamos, made by members of the German Archaeological Institute at Athens, and rescue excavations at various other sites on the island, carried out by the 21st Ephorate of Antiquities.
The exhibition endeavours to sketch the course of Thera in prehistoric times, through selected finds from the thousands in the storerooms. This was a dynamic and creative course which established the city at Akrotiri as one of the most important Aegean centres during the 18th and 17th centuries B.C.
- ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (FIRA) Tel.: +30 22860 22217
The museum is in Fira. Its collections include sculptures and inscriptions ranging from the Archaic to the Roman period, as well as pottery artifacts and clay figurines from the Geometric up to the Hellenistic period.
The most important exhibits are the Theraic jar with the geometric patterns dated from the early 7th century BC; the large volcanic rock (trachyte) weighing 480 kilos; and many findings from the excavations at the cemetery of ancient Thera, such as jars and pottery, as well as kouros statues.
Standing at the centre of Fira, the Archaeological museum reveals the island’s long history. The current building near the cable car terminal, was constructed in 1960 to replace the one that had collapsed during the earthquake of 1956.
- FOLKLORE MUSEUM-(KONTOHORI, FIRA) Tel.: +30 22860 22792
The museum is just 1 km away from Fira, in Kontohori. It was founded by Emmanuel Ant. Lignos, lawyer, journalist and editor of the “Theraic News” paper. The building dates from 1861 and the rooms are infused with the atmosphere of the traditional houses of Santorini. The attention to detail is evident in the museum.
You will see the the rock-hewn underground house, the kánava (οld winery), and the cave of the old pumice mine. Also, the traditional kafeneio (coffee house), the workshops of the carpenter, the barrel-maker, the shoemaker and others (with their original equipment),.
You can rest at the beautiful yards which are full of flowers or visit the chapel of Aghios Konstantinos, as well as the gallery displaying the artwork of known painters inspired by Santorini.
- MEGARON GYZI MUSEUM (FIRA) Tel.: +30 22860 23077
Τhe Cultural Centre Megaro Gyzi in Fira, was founded in 1980 with the initiative and financial funding of the Catholic Diocese of Santorini. It is housed in Megaro Gyzi in Fira, to a 17th century old family mansion of exceptional architectural interest, which survived the earthquake of 1956.
The Mansion
The Manor΄s front entrance decorates the Gyzi family crest. From the Cyzi Manor after the 1956 earthquakes only the basement remained, where the utility room of the old estate was. It is a unique building of its era in Santorini, since the ground floors develop around a patio, which attributes a distinctive architecture due to the inner open area created; this is partly covered with an elegant cross-shaped dome and partly uncovered. With the support and contribution from the Catholic Diocese of Santorini it has been carefully restored in a way that it retains much of its original character in an effort to preserve those distinct features of the local architectural heritage. The building was modified minimally to meet the functional demands of a Cultural Centre accommodating exhibition space and facilities for cultural events.
The collections
The Megaro Gyzi Museum is situated in the Halls of the Cultural Centre, where six Permanent Collections are exhibited. Collection of authentic engravings, of old historical manuscripts, of paintings of Santorini, of paintings donated by Pinto΄s couple, of old photographs of scenic Santorini and Santorini΄s strata
Cultural events
From 1981 to 2006 the Cultural Centre Megaro Gyzi has been organizing cultural events, while from 2007 and onwards organizes annually during August (1-23/8) the Megaro Gyzi Festival, a festival of various cultural events including music concerts, art and painting exhibitions, theatrical performances etc. All visitors, foreign and Greek, enjoy these events at no charge, since there is a free general admission policy.
- PROFITIS ILIAS MUSEUM
- WINE MUSEUM-KUTSOYIANOPULOS Tel.: +30 22860 31322
- ARCHONTIKO ARGIROU (MESSARIA) Tel.: +30 22860 31669
- NAVAL MUSEUM (IA) Tel.: +30 22860 71156
- TRADITIONAL PLACE OF KNITTING (IA) Tel.: +30 22860 71234
- ART SPACE MUSEUM (EXO GONIA) Tel.: +30 22860 32774
Art Space in Exo Gonia, continues since 1999 till today its art activities and extends its hospitality to important artwork by Greek and foreign artists. An art center within the pumice rock – carved chambers of an old winery, dating back to 1861. You will see representative works of art from the sphere of painting and sculpture. It is in the winery of Antonis Argyros.