Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos

About the museum

The new Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos is located in Pothia, the island's capital, and was inaugurated in 2009. It houses antiquities from the prehistoric to the post-Byzantine period and presents the continuous history of Kalymnos. Its highlight is the “Kyra of Kalymnos”, a Hellenistic bronze statue of a woman wearing a chiton and a fringed himation, which was recovered by chance in 1995 in the nets of a local fisherman. The statue was taken to Athens for conservation and is now displayed in the island's museum.

The exhibition begins with a brief introduction to the history of Kalymnos and with individual objects of unknown origin, which came from illicit excavations or were handed over to the Ephorate. This is followed by the prehistoric section, with tools, vessels and pottery from caves, and with Minoan finds. A separate section is devoted to the sanctuary of Delian Apollo, the most important religious and political centre of ancient Kalymnos, in whose two deposit pits many dedications were found. A huge cult statue of Asklepios is also displayed.

In the second gallery, silver and bronze coins and finds from the Hellenistic settlement of Damos are presented, while another section concerns the island's necropoleis, with gold jewellery, wreaths, vessels and glass objects. The exhibits also include inscriptions, icons and manuscripts from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods, as well as finds from the Castle of Chora.

Part of the museum is the mansion of Nikolaos Vouvalis, one of the largest sponge merchants of Kalymnos. The building is an excellent example of 19th-century urban architecture and can be visited. In three of its rooms, the office, the dining room and the drawing room, objects of household furnishings are displayed.

Highlights

• “Kyra of Kalymnos”, a Hellenistic bronze statue found in 1995
• Cult statue of Asklepios
• Dedications from the sanctuary of Delian Apollo
• Gold jewellery and finds from the necropoleis
• Mansion of the sponge merchant Nikolaos Vouvalis

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Αρχαιολογικού Μουσείου – Antiquities from the prehistoric to the post-Byzantine period: the “Kyra of Kalymnos”, the sanctuary of Delian Apollo, coins, inscriptions and finds from the island's necropoleis.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Δωδεκανήσου

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum has a lift and is classified as an accessible site.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Pothia, about 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from the port.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit