Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History

About the museum

The Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History was created by the artist Pavlos Vrellis, who acquired a plot of land in the Bizani area near Ioannina in 1983 and designed all the buildings himself. Their exterior recalls 18th-century urban buildings of Epirus with a fortress-like character, with arches, wrought-iron grilles and square chimneys. The main building is 24 metres long, and next to it a 14-metre building houses the library and the creator’s workshop.

The museum operates as an independent body and is not connected with other organisations or museums. It presents scenes from Greek history with figures whose faces, hands and feet are made of pure beeswax. The exhibits are arranged in three periods: before the Revolution, the Revolution of 1821 and the modern era.

The scenes include, among others, Katsantonis, Dionysios the Philosopher, Kyra Vasiliki, Kolokotronis in the prison of Nafplio, the battle of Crete and the 1940 headquarters in the Kalpaki cave. In the library of the scene “The Teachers of the Nation” more than 1,250 books are displayed.

Highlights

• Wax figures made of pure beeswax
• Scenes from the pre-revolutionary period, the Revolution of 1821 and the modern era
• The 1940 headquarters in the Kalpaki cave
• Buildings designed by the creator himself, with the look of an Epirote fortress

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση κέρινων ομοιωμάτων – Scenes from Greek history with wax figures, in three sections: the pre-revolutionary period, the Revolution of 1821 and the modern era.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Μουσείο Ελληνικής Ιστορίας Παύλου Βρέλλη

Admission & discounts

Prices apply from 1 July 2024. Free admission is also granted to members of international art institutions, holders of an ICOM card and journalists.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Because of the special character of the museum, people with disabilities are admitted only with an accompanying person.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about 12 km south of Ioannina, on the Ioannina–Arta national road, in the Bizani area.

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