Greek Culture Ministry to Upgrade Old Archaeological Museum of Mytilini

The old archaeological museum of Mytilene. Photo source: Lesvos Ephorate of Antiquities.

The Greek Culture Ministry recently unveiled plans for a comprehensive restoration of the Old Archaeological Museum of Mytilini, housed at a neoclassical family mansion.

The museum had served as a custodian of Lesvos’ cultural heritage from 1967 to 1985 and again from 1990 to 2014. It ceased operations in 2014 due to the building’s deteriorating condition.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni explained that the project’s primary objective is to refurbish the aging structure, align it with modern museum standards, and establish a new permanent exhibition to showcase the island’s history and cultural significance from the Neolithic era to the late Roman Empire.

The old archaeological museum of Mytilene. Photo source: Lesvos Ephorate of Antiquities.

The renovated Old Museum will operate in conjunction with the nearby New Archaeological Museum, offering visitors a comprehensive view of ancient Lesvos from the Neolithic era to Roman times. The project also includes the addition of a separate, lift  on the north-west side of the building, offering access to people with disabilities.

The project outlines the utilization of the ground floor and two preserved floors of the Archaeological Museum of Mytilini, totaling 543 square meters. The first and second floors will house exhibit spaces, covering 219 square meters, while visitor service areas, such as the ticket office, reception and restrooms, will span the ground, first, and second floors, encompassing 177 square meters.

Additionally, the project includes storage areas (88 sqm), electromechanical installations (47 sqm), administration space (12 sqm), a 129-square-meter snack bar, and a 287-square-meter outdoor area. The surroundings of the museum, including visitor corridors and planting areas, will also be revamped, providing 1,036 square meters of space for displaying archaeological artifacts.

The new archaeological museum of Mytilene. Photo source: New archaeological museum of Mytilene.

The Archaeological Museum of Mytilini comprises two buildings: the Old Building, and the New Building in the Kioski area. The Old Building was acquired by the Ministry of Culture in 1965 and was constructed in 1912 by the renowned Smyrna architect Vafiadis.

The Old Building of the Archaeological Museum of Mytilini will offer visitors insights into Lesvos’ history.

The first level will feature displays related to the final Neolithic period, including pottery, tools, and jewelry from the Agios Bartholomew cave. On the second floor, exhibits will cover objects dating from the 10th century BC to the 4th century AD, showcasing Lesbian ceramics, funerary sets, votive offerings, and gold jewelry. The sub-station will house architectural elements, sculptures, and votive inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period, providing a comprehensive look into the island’s cultural legacy.