Archaeological Museum of Paros: A marble wonderland

The exceptional quality and remarkable translucency of the celebrated Parian marble, used in hundreds of masterpieces throughout the Greek world, gave rise to one of the pioneering schools of sculpture as early as the Archaic period. Local workshops flourished during the 6th and 5th centuries BC producing distinguished sculptors, such as Aristion, Thrasymedes, Platthis, Clenis, Scopas, Agoracritus – a pupil of Phidias – while Pliny the Elder also mentions the painters Arcesilaus and Nicanor.

The Archaeological Museum of Paros was built in the 1950s thanks to the efforts of the Ephor of Antiquities Nikos Zafeiropoulos. It consists of three galleries, a spacious courtyard and a covered stoa. Its collections represent every period in the history of ancient Paros, offering visitors a vivid journey into the island’s past. Among the exhibits are finds from excavations on Paros and Antiparos, sarcophagi, sculptures from the Classical and Roman periods and mosaics from the Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani.

The Museum’s covered stoa displays a large collection of inscriptions. Standouts are associated with the poet Archilochus, including a dedicatory inscription carved on an Archaic capital. Visitors can also admire two impressive marble statues of horses and the colossal cult statue of Artemis from Delion.

The highlight of the Museum’s main gallery is no doubt the statue of the Gorgon (mid-6th century BC), watching over the entrance. The winged deity is depicted in motion, her wings folded back, with a richly detailed face and garments. Equally moving are the finds from the excavation of the ancient cemetery of Parikia, especially the large painted vases decorated with highly original battle scenes that almost spring to life.

An additional gallery is devoted to the islet of Despotiko and the discoveries from the Sanctuary of Apollo. Finely carved kouroi and dozens of votive offerings – including figurines and perfume vessels – dedicated at the sanctuary by worshippers from across the ancient Greek world, form the core of this important display, illuminating the sanctuary’s pivotal role in the history of the wider region.