Archaeological Museum of Thasos: The island of marble masterpieces

Initially erected in 1935 to house the findings of the 19th-century excavations carried out by the French Archaeological School of Athens, the Archaeological Museum of Thasos has since been extended to accommodate different iterations of the current collection. The Museum’s new permanent exhibition has adopted a contemporary museological approach, aiming to take visitors on a journey through the rich history and culture of the island, from the Prehistoric Period all the way to the Byzantine Empire.

The Museum’s renowned marble collection is mostly crafted out of exquisite Thasian marble, but it also includes Pentelic and Parian specimens, as the island’s first settlers originally came from Paros. Unique among them is the iconic kriophoros, the great ram-bearer kouros most likely representing the god Hermes, that stands three and a half meters tall. For those of you wondering how these monumental statues were created, the accompanying audiovisual material will answer all your questions about the painstaking process of sculpting marble.

A pair of delicate marble relief figures depicting a lion and a panther, at one time adorning the entrance to the sanctuary of Apollo, are further evidence of the island’s vibrant natural landscape. Although what you see here are replicas – the originals are currently on show at the Louvre Museum – their mere presence ignites the imagination, fleshing out the imposing felines that once prowled various parts of the Greek territory.

But what makes the Archaeological Museum of Thasos so popular is its ability to effortlessly guide you through every aspect of the islanders’ lives over the centuries – an ideal outing for families with young children. Where else will they get the chance to visit an ancient Thasian household, complete with vessels and utensils, share in their religious worship, and discover the secrets of local winemaking?

At the Archaeological Museum of Thasos, you can literally step into a Bronze Age home or stand over a stone-built family tomb from the Iron Age, faithfully reconstructed in the prehistoric section of the exhibition, or admire findings from the early Byzantine churches of Thasos.

Don’t forget to explore the open-air Ancient Agora, conveniently located right next to the Museum. Its history spans a dizzying number of years – from the 7th century BC to the Middle Ages – but it’s not over yet, as the French Archaeological School of Athens is still digging!