Skiathos: Home of Greek Poet Zisis Economou Becomes a Museum

Zisis Economou house-museum. Photo source: Skiathoslife.gr.

The family home of renowned Greek poet Zisis Economou now stands as a museum.

Located on Skiathos, the poet’s home was transformed into a museum following his wish to “contribute to Skiathos’ cultural heritage”, an announcement by the island’s municipality said.

After the poet’s death in 2005, the property was handed down to the Skiathos Municipality to use for cultural purposes. Following its restoration with regional and local funds, the municipality proceeded to transform the home into a museum, which now gives visitors the chance to learn more about the poet and engage with his works in an immersive manner through augmented reality technology.

A moment from the Zisis Economou House-Museum inauguration event. Photo source: Skiathoslife.gr.

“It is wonderful to see that almost 20 years after my uncle’s death, his house is now a museum,” said Economou’s niece Zoe Economou, during the museum’s recent inauguration event.

Echoing Economou’s sentiment, Skiathos Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas said that “the museum honors a distinguished representative of Greek and Skiathian culture and acts as an ambassador of the island’s cultural heritage for every local and guest who will visit it.”

Tzoumas thanked Leo Mergel—a German-speaking friend of Zisis Economou—and the Skiathos Organization of Culture, Sports, and Youth for their contribution in bringing the museum to life.

Inside the house-museum. Photo source: Skiathoslife.gr.

The museum’s inauguration event was attended by local officials and community members, as well as friends of the island from Greece and abroad.

Zisis Economou was a highly regarded poet and philosopher born in Skiathos on April 25, 1911. He is recognized for his remarkable contributions to Greek literature and philosophy. In 1977, he received a lifetime achievement accolade from the Academy of Athens, and in 1995, he was honored with the State Poetry Prize. As a prominent figure of the inter-war generation of Greek poets, his works encompassed a wide array of themes and stylistic nuances. Zisis Economou passed away on August 3, 2005.