Archaeological Museum of Messenia
The museum in the historic centre of Kalamata presents the history of Messenia from the 5th millennium BC to 1453, in four geographical sections.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Archaeological Museum of Messenia is housed in the rebuilt building of the former municipal market of Kalamata, in the heart of the historic centre. After the destructive earthquake of 1986, the market building was demolished because of severe damage, and the new building that took its place was assigned by the Municipality of Kalamata to the Ministry of Culture to operate as an archaeological museum.
The permanent exhibition follows the old division of the prefecture into four provinces: Kalamata, Messini, Pylia and Triphylia. A central “artery” between the display cases recalls the course of the Pamisos river, and the sections branch off from it, each of which can be visited independently. Ten thematic sections explain political and cultural phenomena of particular areas, such as the Villehardouins and Messenia, or the Mani and the Despotate of the Morea.
The route covers the region’s history from the 5th millennium BC to 1453. Among the most precious exhibits is the embossed gold cup from Peristeria, a grave good from a royal tholos tomb.
Highlights
- The embossed gold cup from Peristeria
- Exhibition route that mirrors the Pamisos river
- Four sections: Kalamata, Messini, Pylia, Triphylia
- Thematic sections on the Villehardouins and the Mani
Permanent exhibition
- Μόνιμη έκθεση: η πολιτισμική διαδρομή της Μεσσηνίας – Finds from the four provinces of Messenia, from the 5th millennium BC to 1453, in geographical and thematic sections.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Μεσσηνίας
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Citizens of the European Union over 65 years of age from 1 October to 31 May, upon presentation of an identity card or passport; accompanying parents and teachers on school visits, and other categories specified by the Ministry of Culture. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Free admission and reduced tickets are granted to special categories of visitors, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Culture.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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 ramp and toilets for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
On foot it is 12 minutes from the central Plateia Vasileos Georgiou, and by car 10 minutes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a renovated shop, and there is a car park.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum offers educational programmes for schools. |
