Silk Museum
Museum in the Kourtidis mansion in Soufli, presenting all the stages of traditional sericulture and silk production.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Silk Museum is housed in Soufli in Evros, a town closely linked with silk. It is located in the mansion of Konstantinos Kourtidis (1870–1944), a doctor, man of letters and politician, which was built in 1883 by local craftsmen and is considered a notable example of Thracian urban architecture. In 1976 his daughter, Maria Kourtidi-Pastra, donated the mansion so that it could become a silk museum.
Systematic historical, ethnological and architectural research followed, and the museum opened in 1990. In 2007 it closed temporarily for the renovation of the buildings and the redesign of the permanent exhibition, funded by the Third Community Support Framework, and it reopened expanded and with modern audiovisual media. It is run by the Piraeus Group Cultural Foundation.
The museum consists of two buildings around an inner courtyard: the mansion and the two-storey “koukoulospiti” (cocoon house). On the ground floor of the second building, photographs and archival material about Kourtidis’s life and personality are shown, along with video projections on the history of silk. On the upper floor the main exhibition follows the pre-industrial process: feeding the silkworm, unwinding the thread from the cocoon, dyeing and weaving, as well as everyday life in Soufli in the 20th century. The mansion displays Soufli costumes and accessories and Chinese opera costumes, a donation from the Embassy of China in 2018.
Highlights
- Kourtidis mansion of 1883
- All stages of sericulture and silk production
- Soufli costumes
- Chinese opera costumes (donation of 2018)
- Demonstrations of unwinding, weaving and dyeing
- Educational programmes for schools
Permanent exhibition
- Μόνιμη έκθεση του Μουσείου Μετάξης – Pre-industrial sericulture and silk production, from feeding the silkworm to weaving, and the history of Soufli as a centre of silk.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Πολιτιστικό Ίδρυμα Ομίλου Πειραιώς
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Visitors over 65 (with ID or passport), students from countries outside the EU, employees of the Piraeus Group, members of cultural associations of Soufli and of other towns in the network, parent and guardian associations, and organised groups of 20 people or more. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for visitors up to 17 years, upon presentation of identity card or passport. |
| Seniors | €3Reduced ticket for visitors over 65, with ID or passport. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for students of Greek and European universities; reduced ticket for students from countries outside the EU. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Organised visits of 20 people or more pay the reduced ticket. |
| Card for employees of the Piraeus Group | €3 |
Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day), 5 June (World Environment Day) and the last weekend of September (European Heritage Days).
Free admission is also granted to the unemployed, large and single-parent families, teachers and academics, guides, journalists, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, holders of the European Youth Card and soldiers, upon presentation of the relevant documents.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- 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 a toilet for people with disabilities, wheelchairs available for loan and a printed guide in Braille in Greek and English. Guide dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Educational programmes for primary and secondary pupils, such as “Let’s Weave”, “Recycling by Weaving” and “Traditional Unwinding”, in Greek. Demonstrations of unwinding the thread, weaving on a traditional loom and dyeing silk fabrics with plant materials appeal to children and adults alike.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi for visitors. There is a snack bar and a museum shop (MUSEUMSHOP) with items inspired by the themes of the Foundation’s museums.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Amateur photography and video recording are permitted; professional use requires a special permit from the Foundation. |
| Good to know | School and group visits require contact with the museum in advance. Pets are not admitted, except guide dogs. |
