Ancient Greek Masterpiece ‘Kore of Thera’ Makes First Public Appearance

The ‘Kore of Thera’ statue on display for the first time. Photo source: Greek Culture Ministry

Santorini and Greece recently celebrated the first public appearance of the “Kore of Thera”, a 2.48-meter, white marble statue of a “Kore” – a standing female figure – dating back to the 7^th century BC.

The Greek masterpiece was unveiled over the weekend during a special ceremony at the Archaeological Museum of Thera, which is currently being renovated, attended by the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Photo source: Greek Culture Ministry

The 2,700-year-old statue, discovered in the cemetery of Ancient Thera in November 2000 by archaeologist Charalambos Sigalas, will be part of the museum’s temporary exhibit titled “Kore of Thera”.

After 22 years stowed away in a warehouse, the statue comes to light, said Mendoni, adding that in 2023, Santorini will have two renovated museums making the island a “very strong cultural destination in the Mediterranean”.

Photo source: Greek Culture Ministry

Speaking during the event, Thera Mayor Antonis Sigalas said the Municipality of Thera had entered an agreement with the culture ministry to preserve and showcase ancient finds in the restored museums. Among others, they had also agreed to display wall paintings found in Akrotiri in the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

The President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The municipality is aiming to further enhance the visitor experience with the two museums which will showcase dozens of finds excavated over the years on the island.