Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messene

The impressive archaeological park of Messene, stretching over 400 stremmas, encloses one of the best preserved and important ancient cities. Multiannual excavations have brought to light a multitude of archaeological treasures, and several of them are housed in the museum located in the village of Mavromati.

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The impressive archaeological park of Messene, stretching over 400 stremmas, encloses one of the best preserved and important ancient cities. Multiannual excavations have brought to light a multitude of archaeological treasures, and several of them are housed in the museum located in the village of Mavromati.

It was built between 1968-1972 on the western outskirts of the village Mavromati of Ithomi, and it was renovated between 1992-1998. It exhibits typical findings of the excavations carried out in Messene, from 1895 up to the late 20th century AD. By admiring the important sculptural works, housed in its halls, you’ll get a better understanding of the historical role of ancient Messene as a political and cultural centre of the ancient Greek world. 

What really catches the eye in Hall A is the marble statue of Hermes, 2.32 meters high, along with a headless statue of a mantled man, 1.71 meters high, found in the same space of the Gymnasium.  You will also see the Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer) of Polykleitos, and figurines from the temples of Hera and the Dioscuri. 

Hall B houses sculptures of the Messinian sculptor Damophon, found in the Sanctuary of Asclepius, and in other buildings.
Hall C hosts the statue of Artemis Laphria, 1.34 m high, and the stone hecataion, depicting Artemis. 

The multiannual excavations of Prof. Petros Themelis, and the continuous care of the Ephorate of Antiquities in Messinia, have given great results, bringing to light valuable archaeological treasures, which cannot be housed in the existing museum. Thus, a new one is going to be built in the near future.

Location

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