Museum of Musical Instruments

Art Space in Santorini sounds like a truly unique and captivating destination that seamlessly blends art, culture, and the island's winemaking tradition. The combination of an art gallery and a winery housed in a 19th-century cave-like structure in Ekso Gonia village adds an extra layer of charm and character to the experience. The longevity of Art Space, hosting exhibitions for over 20 years, attests to its significance as an art attraction on the island. The juxtaposition of generations-old wine tradition with modern art creates a distinctive atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those seeking a multi-sensory and immersive cultural experience. The diverse art forms, including ceramics, sculptures, and paintings inspired by Santorini's natural beauty, provide visitors with a rich and varied visual journey. The use of two wine cellars as exhibition spaces adds a unique dimension to the gallery, creating a harmonious blend of artistic expression and historical context. After exploring the artworks, the opportunity to sample local wine aged within the restored winery on the premises adds another layer of enjoyment to the visit. The tranquil courtyard offers a perfect setting to reflect on the art encountered, savor the local wine, and immerse oneself in the enchanting ambiance of Santorini. Art Space appears to be a true gem for art and wine enthusiasts, offering a memorable and immersive experience that celebrates the island's cultural heritage and natural beauty in a harmonious and captivating way. ...

For music enthusiasts seeking a unique and immersive experience, Mr. Halaris's private collection is a hidden gem that promises to be a favorite spot. This exclusive collection presents the evolution of musical instruments, spanning from 2300 BC to the early 20th century. Through carefully curated exhibits, visitors can explore the diverse array of instruments that have played a crucial role in the development of musical traditions across different regions and civilizations. The collection not only showcases instruments from ancient times but also includes those from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras, providing a comprehensive journey through the evolution of music and civilization. The artifacts on display offer a visual and informative exploration of the rich musical traditions that have shaped cultures throughout history. What makes this experience even more special is the exclusivity of the visits, which are available by appointment only. This ensures a more intimate and personalized encounter with the musical treasures, allowing visitors to delve into the details of each instrument and gain a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural significance. For those passionate about music history, the opportunity to witness ancient, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine instruments up close, all within the confines of a private collection, is a rare and privileged experience. Mr. Halaris's collection stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of musical expression throughout the ages, making it a must-visit destination for true music aficionados. ...

The Maritime Museum, situated just outside the picturesque village of Oia and nestled within the ruins of the Venetian castle, stands as a testament to Santorini's rich marine history. This cultural gem offers visitors a captivating journey through time, showcasing rare documents and a collection of nautical instruments that illuminate the island's enduring connection to the sea. The museum provides a unique glimpse into Santorini's maritime traditions, with exhibits featuring an array of historical artifacts. Among the notable displays is a manual driller, an essential naval tool, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity of seafarers from the past. Additionally, a massive foot-operated lathe, remarkably preserved in excellent condition, stands as a remarkable testament to the island's maritime heritage. The setting within the ruins of the Venetian castle adds a touch of historical charm, creating a backdrop that enhances the overall experience for museum visitors. The Maritime Museum not only educates about Santorini's marine history but also serves as a bridge connecting the present with the island's seafaring past. For those who appreciate history, maritime traditions, and the allure of ancient ruins, the Maritime Museum near Oia offers a fascinating journey into Santorini's maritime legacy. It stands as a captivating destination for individuals eager to explore the island's rich history and the profound impact of the sea on its cultural identity. ...

The Archaeological Museum The Historical and Cultural Archaeological Museum of Santorini was originally built in 1902, however, due to an earthquake in 1956 it was destroyed and then rebuilt in 1960 by the Ministry of Public Works. There are many outstanding archaeological finds from excavations on the island on display at the museum, such as sculptures & inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period and vases & clay figurines, dating from the Geometric to the Hellenistic periods.   The Museum of Prehistoric Thira The finds that are on display on the Prehistoric Museum of Thira come from excavations at Akrotiri and Potamos. These artefacts are dated back to the Neolithic and Cycladic Periods and are presented to a wall painting exhibition that is structured in four units. The 4 parts of the exhibition are: The history of research at Thira. The geology of Thira. The island’s history from the Late Neolithic to the Late Cycladic I Period (early 17th century BC). The heyday of the city at Akrotiri (mature Late Cycladic I period, 17th century BC) The exhibits include Neolithic, Early and Middle Cycladic pottery, Early Cycladic marble and metal artefacts and figurines, as well as fossils of plants that flourished before the human habitation of Thira and other archaeological objects. The Museum of Minerals and Fossils With its foundation in 2006, the Museum of Minerals and Fossils of the Cultural Society of Thira at Perissa attracted great attention due to its valuable display cases that include minerals and fossils from Thira, the rest of Greece and abroad and are connected to the evolution of life on this planet. From the exhibits, the ones that are most known are plant fossils from olive, gorse and palm trees that come from the Caldera of Santorini (dating back to 50,000-60,000 years from today). Worth mentioning is the fact that the museum’s oldest exhibit dates back 1.5 billion years from now and the most recent dates back 50,000 years. Megaro Gyzi Museum The Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’ was founded in 1980 in order to enhance the cultural background of the residents of Thira . The building of megaro Gyzi is one of the few 17th century family mansions that survived the 1956 earthquake and was restored and donated by the Catholic Diocese of Santorini to house the Cultural Center. The museum features collections of authentic engravings, old historical manuscripts,  paintings of Santorini, old photographs and others. It is worth noting that from the 1st to the 31st of August annually, a festival is organized by the Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’, including music concerts and painting exhibitions of well-known artists.   The Wine Museum Located at a natural cave and 6 meters below the ground, the Wine Museum was established in1880 from the Koutsogiannopoulos family and it presents the history and life of the wine from 1660 to 1970. You can tour through the winery, have a taste of their exquisite products and enjoy a film of the history of Santorini from 1500 BC till the present day and the evolution of wine production in Santorini.   Icons and Relics Collection The museum of the Icons & Relics Collection of Pyrgos can be found in Agia Triada, which was originally a Catholic church that belonged to a small convent. It contains a collection of priceless hagiographies, wooden sculptures, metal art works & other items for ecclesiastic use, while embroideries, canonicals, holy books and brassware items embellish the collection and most of the exhibits date back to the 17th and 18th century. It also hosts displays on shoemaking, printing, candle making, wine making and typical local food.     ...