Revamp Scheme For Museums And Sites Announced

Museums & archaeological sites revamp plan would include changes that would range from basic to more specialized services.

“Everyone visiting the museums in the future will receive the best service,” Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos promised recently as he outlined the ministry’s three-year plan to upgrade services to archaeological sites and museums.

At a presentation held at the New Acropolis Museum, Mr. Geroulanos presented the results of a study headed by the ministry that revealed the lack of very important services in some 150 museums around Greece.

According to the minister, only 19 archaeological sites and museums currently meet the essential and desirable services.

Meanwhile, no museum and archaeological site in Greece has an automated guide system, a tactile guidance system for the visually impaired or information leaflets in Braille.

Mr. Geroulanos said the revamp plan would include changes that would range from basic services (the sale of water and disabled access) to more specialized services (computerized ticketing and educational programs).

Local sponsors and the European Union will sup­port the plan through a budget of 20 million euros.

The Greek travel sector welcomed the ministry’s plans to improve services but also wondered if the issue of changing the opening and closing hours of museums and sites would be considered.

Most sites in Greece close fairly early, often by 3pm.