Aigio Archaeological Museum Opens After Renovation with Extended Permanent Exhibit

Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Archaeological Museum of Aigio, located in the northern Peloponnese, has reopened following an extensive renovation of its iconic building, designed by renowned architect Ernst Ziller. The renovation has created a new space, featuring an expanded exhibition area that showcases significant artifacts from the Achaia region.

Originally constructed in 1890 as the municipal market of Aigio, the neoclassical building was repurposed into the Archaeological Museum of Aigio when it first opened in 1994. The recent renovation was prompted by the need for a larger exhibition space to accommodate valuable artifacts uncovered in the Achaia regional unit. These discoveries came about during the construction of the new Olympia Road, the laying of the new railway line, and systematic excavations in areas such as Trapeza and Nikoleika.

The Greek Ministry of Culture highlighted that the exhibition’s design was adapted to suit the unique characteristics of the listed building, including the perimeter space of the atrium.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

Photo source: Culture Ministry

During the inauguration ceremony, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized the museum’s importance, describing it as “an extremely significant archaeological institution”.

“Aigio and Egialia possess a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Neolithic era, and they have all the potential to become a key destination for cultural tourism,” she said.

The renovation project, which included the extension of the museum’s permanent collection, had a budget of 803,000 euros. It was completed between 2020 and 2023, under the oversight of the Achaia Antiquities Ephorate. The initiative was part of the INTERREG Greece-Italy 2014-2020 collaboration program, known as “TheRout_Net/Thematic Routes and Networks.”

Ernst Moritz Theodor Ziller (1837–1923), the German-born architect who designed the building, was a prominent figure in Greek architecture. In addition to the Aigio Municipal Market building, Ziller was responsible for several other notable structures in Athens, Patra, and across Greece, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Photo source: Culture Ministry

The renovation of the Archaeological Museum of Aigio is also a key part of the Greek Ministry of Culture’s broader efforts to promote the northern Peloponnese as a hub for cultural tourism. The museum is an integral part of one of the five Cultural Routes currently being developed with funding from the EU Resilience and Recovery Facility. These routes are designed to showcase Greece’s rich cultural heritage, contributing to local economic development and job creation.

Aigio, located just two hours by car from Athens, is poised to become an important stop for cultural tourists in the region, further solidifying the museum’s role as a key cultural asset.