Greece to unveil underwater treasures in new 2026 museum
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 location will showcase 2,500 artefacts from prehistoric times to the Second World War exhibits.
Piraeus was once the most important port of ancient Athens. It is situated on a mountainous peninsula, just a few kilometres southwest of the capital of this tourist nation.
A new addition in Greece
According to Greek Travel Pages, the museum will be partially housed in an old silo from 1934. Additionally, a new building is being constructed next door, where the collections will be displayed. The number of exhibits will reach 2,500, all sourced from underwater.
The exhibition's centrepiece will be a replica of an ancient trireme, built at a 1:2 scale using 3D technology. This ancient Roman ship replica will be about 23 metres long and weigh approximately 6,350 kilograms. It will be surrounded by constellations that helped ancient sailors navigate.
In addition to the trireme, the museum will feature a holographic presentation of the Antikythera mechanism and artefacts from shipwrecks, such as the "Mentor" and 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 globally, presenting the entire country's underwater archaeology. The Greeks hope that this exceptional place will attract both Greek and international visitors.
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 26,386 square metres, designated for permanent and temporary exhibits, educational and scientific spaces, visitor service points, and offices.
Source: Greek Travel Pages/ Greek Reporter
