Description of the attraction
The Nicholas P. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art is one of the largest museums in Athens. The museum was founded in 1986 thanks to a private collection of Cycladic and ancient Greek art of the Goulandris family, one of the wealthiest and noble families in Greece.
Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris began assembling their collection in the 1960s with the permission of the Greek government. The collection quickly became famous among scientists for its rare exhibits. The collection was first exhibited at the Benaki Museum in 1978. In 1979-1983, the exposition was exhibited in the largest museums and galleries in the world. After the death of Nicholas Goulandris, his wife donated the collection to the Greek state to create a museum.
The main building of the museum is located in the center of Athens, built in 1985 by the Greek architect Vikelas Ioannis. Over time, the museum's exposition has expanded thanks to donations from collectors and new acquisitions. In 1991 the museum acquired new premises - the neoclassical Statatos mansion. It is connected to the main building by a covered glass passage.
The main collection of the museum is divided into three main areas: the Cycladic civilization, namely the early period of the Bronze Age, 3200-2000 BC. Cycladic marble figurines, figurines are striking in their sophistication, simplicity and impeccability; ancient Greek art, 2nd millennium BC until the 4th century AD; art of ancient Cyprus from the Neolithic era to the early Christian period, 4th millennium BC - 6th century AD It is one of the most complete collections of Cypriot antiquities in the world.
The Museum of Cycladic Art was created to study and popularize the ancient culture of the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. Seminars, lectures are held on an ongoing basis, the museum participates in various projects and research. The museum also holds permanent traveling exhibitions. In total, the museum displays over 3,000 different artifacts.
Particular attention is paid to children. Special programs and creative workshops have been created, seminars and interactive tours for children and their parents are regularly held.
The museum has an excellent souvenir shop where you can buy excellent copies of the museum's exhibits.
