Greece unveils underwater museum: A dive into history
As early as 2026, the capital of Greece will gain a new tourist attraction. In Piraeus, located near Athens, the Underwater Archaeology Museum will open. This unique site will showcase 2,500 artifacts from prehistoric times to exhibits from World War II.
Piraeus was once the most important port of ancient Athens. It lies on a mountainous peninsula just a few miles southwest of the capital of this tourist country.
A new addition in Greece
According to Greek Travel Pages, the museum will be partially housed in an old silo from 1934. An additional building is being constructed next to it, where the collections will be displayed. The number of exhibits will reach 2,500, all sourced from underwater.
The exhibition's centerpiece will be a replica of an ancient trireme, built at a 1:2 scale using 3D technology. The replica of the ancient Roman ship, measuring 75 feet and weighing approximately 7 tons, will be surrounded by the constellations that helped ancient sailors navigate.
Besides the trireme, the museum will feature a holographic presentation of the Antikythera mechanism and artifacts from shipwrecks such as the "Mentor" or the "Britannic."
The museum will be divided into several thematic sections, including "Sea, Environment, Man" and "Underwater Archaeology."
The impressive facility aims to attract tourists
The Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, emphasizes that the museum will fill a gap in Greece's history and marine archaeology. She highlights that the new facility in Piraeus will be unique on a global scale, presenting the underwater archaeology of the entire country. The Greeks hope this exceptional place will attract both Greek and international guests.
The project, funded by the Recovery Fund, wasn't cheap. The entire venture is expected to cost 98 million dollars. The total area will be 284,000 square feet, designated for permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as educational and scientific spaces, visitor service points, and offices.
Source: Greek Travel Pages/ Greek Reporter
