Byzantine Museum of Chios

About the museum

The Byzantine Museum of Chios is housed in the Ottoman Metzitie Mosque, built in the mid-19th century on the town’s central square at the expense of Sultan Abdul Mecid. The building consists of a timber-roofed porch, a central hall with a dome and a spacious basement. In the paved courtyard are two small stone-built structures, one of which is a fountain.

The restoration of the mosque was carried out within the framework of the Third Community Support Framework and aimed to preserve the monumental character of the building. The exhibition did not intervene in the walls, so that the building itself is presented as an exhibit.

The exhibition comprises four thematic sections and presents finds ranging from the Early Christian period to more recent times. On display are sculptures and wood carvings, examples of folk art and minor crafts, icons and wall paintings, while the layout highlights the relationship and interaction between the different groups who lived on the island. All exhibits have bilingual captions, and visitors can follow the route or move about freely.

Highlights

• 19th-century Ottoman mosque as an exhibit
• Early Christian and Byzantine sculptures
• Post-Byzantine wall paintings and portable icons
• Wood carvings and minor craft objects
• Bilingual captions

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Βυζαντινού Μουσείου Χίου – Four thematic sections on Byzantine and post-Byzantine Chios, with references to more recent times.

Admission & discounts

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

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

Access for people with disabilities is facilitated by an electric stairlift on the museum’s staircase. The museum also has a ramp and a toilet for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of the town, on Plateia Vounakiou, the central square.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.