Archaeological Museums in Mytilini
There are actually two museums of archeology in Mytilini. The old archeological museum is located close to the statue of liberty at the main harbour and on the corner of Argyri Eftalioti.
The building originally belonged to the family of Achilleas Vournazos and was built by the Smyrniot architect Vapheiadis, around 1921. It is a superb specimen of the architecture in the last years of the Turkish occupation and is under a preservation order. In 1965 the Greek State purchased it from the Vournazos' heirs. In 1985 it housed the Ministry of the Aegean and the antiquities were stored in the basement. In 1991 the Ministry was moved to another building, and in 1992 the exhibition was finally rearranged by the 20th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities to create wonderful collections.
The Throne of Potamon: Hellenistic period (1st century B.C. - 1st century A.D.). Mytilene's complex relationship with Rome was amicably solved thanks to the orator Potamon. The city accorded Potamon the highest of honours, founding the Potamoneion, an imposing marble monument on the sides of which were inscribed the official acts of Mytilene and Rome.
The museum houses a wonderful collection of significant archeological finds from excavations and sites from the island. There are prehistoric relics from the villages of Andissa, Molyvos and Mytilini itself. Here you will also find examples of beautiful mosaics, inscriptions from island treaties and magnificent gold funeral offerings. In 1980, mosaics found during excavations on the site of a post Roman villa were moved here. They are stunning examples of the fashion of the time and an important addition to the museum collection. The new archeological Museum is located in a new building on Melina Merkouri Street. It houses many temporary temporary exhibitions.
In the future we hope to provide a program of forthcoming exhibits, until then the Museum can be contacted on 0030-22510-22087.
The museum garden is filled with beautiful ancient relics.
CLOSED ON MONDAYS
TUESDAY - SUNDAY 08.00 - 19.00
