Greece’s First Underwater Antiquities Museum to Redefine Piraeus as a Cultural Hub By 2026

Saturday, January 4, 2025

The construction of Greece’s first National Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus is progressing rapidly, with plans to open its doors to visitors in 2026. This initiative marks a significant step in transforming Piraeus into a global cultural destination.

Housed in a historic 1934 silo provided by the Piraeus Port Authority, the museum will also feature an additional modern building currently under construction. This blend of historical and contemporary architecture aims to provide an innovative space for showcasing Greece’s rich underwater heritage.

The museum will host over 2,500 exhibits, incorporating cutting-edge technology, advanced maintenance laboratories, and state-of-the-art storage facilities. A highlight of the site will be the preservation and display of the historic conveyor belt, once used for loading ships, which will serve as a landmark in Greece’s largest port.

Overview of the Museum
With a budget of €93 million, construction began in 2023, encompassing the restoration of the historic silo and the addition of a new facility. Covering a total area of 26,380 square meters, the museum will include 7,550 square meters of exhibition space, hosting both permanent and temporary displays. The premises will also feature facilities for educational and scientific activities, such as an amphitheater, library, multimedia areas, and conservation workshops. Visitor services will include a reception, cloakroom, shop, café, restaurant, infirmary, and administrative offices.

The museum’s design emphasizes accessibility through ramps, elevators, and spacious pathways, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors. Advanced technological applications will enhance the exhibits, offering interactive and immersive experiences that bring to life shipwrecks, sunken settlements, ship models, and historical cargo.

Exhibition Experience
The exhibition design integrates built-in and freestanding display cases, custom constructions, specialized lighting, and digital media applications. Visitors will be guided by comprehensive visual information and signage, available in both printed and digital formats. The experience is enriched with tactile exhibits and a variety of informational materials catering to different levels of engagement.

Six Thematic Sections
The museum’s collection will be organized into six thematic sections, highlighting Piraeus’ maritime legacy, underwater archaeology, and the interplay between humans and the marine environment:

Sea, Environment, and Humanity

Underwater Archaeology

Time Capsules Beneath the Sea

Approaching the Past in Fragments

Underwater Cultural Heritage and Society

Interwoven Stories of the Silo and Piraeus

Visitors will embark on a journey starting in the historic Silo building, exploring the first two thematic sections before transitioning to the modern building for the remaining exhibits.

This visionary project promises to celebrate and preserve Greece’s underwater cultural heritage, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the mysteries of the deep while enhancing Piraeus’ status as a hub of cultural significance.