Archaeological Museum of Thera: The return of the Kore

In line with modern museological design and contemporary architectural standards, the recent upgrade complements the building’s modernist sensibilities, as it was originally constructed immediately after the devastating 1956 earthquake by celebrated architect Konstantinos Dekavallas.

The inauguration of the renovated Museum was marked by the seminal return of the Kore of Thera to the island of Santorini. This colossal Archaic statue, dating back to the 7th century BC, has been hailed as one of the most important specimens of ancient Greek sculpture. It was unexpectedly unearthed in November 2000, during a rescue excavation at the cemetery of ancient Thera by local archaeologist Charalambos Sigalas.

The larger-than-life Kore, made of white Naxian marble and standing 2.48 meters tall, is debuting her new, state-of-the-art anti-seismic base right here at the Museum, which not only enhances the impressive stature of this monumental sculpture, but it also allows visitors to admire this nearly intact masterpiece, free of its former metal shackles.

The reopening of the Archaeological Museum with the triumphant return of the Kore coincides with the temporary exhibition “Cycladic Women”. This co-production of the Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and the Museum of Cycladic Art constitutes the largest pan-Cycladic exhibition ever organized, as well as the largest temporary exhibition ever hosted by a Cycladic island. Invaluable artifacts from all the all periods and all the islands that make up the complex have been brought together in Santorini to complement the permanent display of the Kore at the Archaeological Museum of Thera.