Archaeological Museum of Sparta: Reflecting the culture of the Lacedaemonians

It was built between 1874 and 1876 and was designed by the architect G. Katsaros, originally consisting of three galleries only. The central hall features a portico with Ionic columns on its façade. Two additional galleries were added between 1905 and 1908, while two more were constructed in 1936.

Today, the museum houses antiquities mainly originating from the district of Lacedaemon, as well as from other areas of Laconia, from prehistoric times to the Roman period.

The ancient Spartans’ relationship with the arts was particular. Primarily oriented towards martial arts, the rival state of ancient Athens demanded total devotion to military training from its citizens, so that any involvement in the arts was forbidden.

That’s why a large part of the Museum’s collection is due to the toil of the perioikoi. The perioikoi were Laconians who occupied the region long before the Spartans settled in the area and were not accountable to the city-state of Sparta, so they were free to take up artistic professions if they chose.

The bust of Leonidas from 480 BC – the most impressive exhibit of the museum – reflects the culture of the Lacedaemonians, along with many other sculptures and reliefs from the Archaic and Classical periods, while the peculiar ritual masks from the altar of Artemis Orthia are equal standouts.