New Sparti Archaeological Museum Secures National Funding

Mayor of Sparti, Michalis Vakalopoulos (second from the left); Peloponnese Regional Governor, Dimitris Ptochos; Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni; and Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis (center). Photo source: Peloponnese Region

Some 32.7 million euros has been allocated for the construction of a new archaeological museum in Sparti, a municipality in Lakonia, the Peloponnese, according to an announcement from the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Greek officials, including Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Alternate Minister of Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, Peloponnese Regional Governor Dimitris Ptochos and Sparti Mayor Michalis Vakalopoulos, recently met at the ministry to finalize the funding for the museum, which will come from Greece’s National Development Program for 2021-2025.

The project involves constructing the museum building, landscaping, and supportive works. It also includes excavations for retrieving, temporarily storing, and replacing ancient architectural remnants, as well as building necessary infrastructure for the development of the project.

Photo realistic depiction of the exterior of the new archaeological museum of Sparti. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

According to Mendoni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took a “personal interest” in the construction of the new Archaeological Museum in Sparti, ensuring that the funding was secured and allocated from national accounts.

The Culture Ministry is also advancing several projects in the city of Lakonia, Peloponnese, with a total value of 30 million euros. The projects are funded from various sources, including the Recovery and Resilience Fund, the National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA), and national government funds. They also involve renovating the existing Archaeological Museum of Sparti and expanding and upgrading the “House of Europa” cultural and historical center.

Mendoni noted that with the completion of the projects, the cultural landscape of Sparti, Mystras, Monemvasia, and the surrounding prefecture will be transformed, “becoming more dynamic, enriched, and crucial for the sustainable development of the region”.

Alternate Minister of Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis also emphasized the Greek PM’s personal involvement in securing funds for the project.

“By investing in culture—a strategic choice of the central government—we are showcasing the heritage of this area and aligning it with new priorities in Athens, including development and a forward-looking approach,” he said.