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Folklore Museum in Fira

At the Folklore Museum in Thira on Santorini, you can learn about the island’s culture and traditions, and see how the island’s houses and craft workshops looked in the early 20th century.

History of the museum

The museum was founded by Emmanuel A. Lignos, a local lawyer, journalist and publisher of the monthly Theraic News, to present and promote the cultural heritage of Santorini. The museum is housed in a traditional cave house dating from 1861. Despite an earthquake in 1963, the house survived and in 1973 it was restored and equipped with exhibits, and in 1974 the museum was opened in it. In 1993 the chapel of Agios Konstantinos kai Elénis (St. Konstantine and Helen) and an art gallery were added.

Museum exhibition

Inside the museum you can see works of art and archival material as well as the recreated furnishings of the house, including rooms such as the bedroom, kitchen, library, food storage cellar, home wine cellar, workshops of carpenters, coopers, shoemakers and tinsmiths on Santorini.

The following exhibits are on display:

  • furniture
  • dishes
  • tools
  • items in everyday use
  • traditional costumes
  • drawings, oil and watercolour paintings
  • lithographs
  • photographs
  • manuscripts
  • books

The building housing the art gallery hosts temporary exhibitions by Greek artists who draw inspiration from Santorini in their works. The museum also organises craft classes and workshops.

Location of the museum

The museum is located in Kontochori, a suburb of Fira, Santorini’s capital, 900 m from the main bus station, on one of the through streets of Agiou Athanasiu.

Practical information

Tickets, priced at €5, include admission and a guided tour.

Gallery of Folklore Museum in Fira

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