The
Jewish Museum of Greece
The
Jewish Museum of Greece was founded in 1977 in order to collect,
conserve, research and exhibit the material evidence of 2.300
years of Jewish life in Greece. Its collection, which is constantly
being augmented, consists of seven and a half thousand original
artifacts, photographs, documents and archives, and includes diverse
material pertaining to the domestic and religious life as well
as the historical course of the Greek Jews.
The
new building of the museum houses its rich collection on a total
area of 800 square meters. The entire floor space of the museum
has been organized in areas for permanent exhibition of collections,
thematic exhibits, periodic exhibitions, a contemporary art gallery
and a video room. It also includes an area for educational programs,
a research library, a photographic archive and laboratory, a conservation
laboratory and a gift shop.
On
the ground-floor you’ll find the interior of the Jewish
synagogue in Patras that was transferred from there to the museum.
On the first level, the theme is various Jewish celebrations.
The collection includes religious artifacts and traditional sugar
sweets as well as the special tray of the Jewish Passover.
On
the second level there are items (documents, inscriptions and
books) of historic evidence concerning the Jewish presence in
Greece from the 3rd century BC until the 19th century. Military
uniforms, medals, photographs and publications testify to the
active participation of the Jews in the Greek War of Independence
and the Resistance.
The
next displays concern the Holocaust (Shoah) and the destruction
of the majority of the Greek Jews by the Nazis. Uniforms and clothes
of the prisoners in the concentration camps, photographs, documents
and other objects bare evidence of one of the most horrible atrocities
in modern history.
There
are traditional costumes and clothing accessories like jewels,
brooches, hats and shoes, covering the period from the mid-18th
century until the mid-20th century, highlighting aspects of the
everyday life of Jewish communities in the past.
On
the last level, there are many religious and domestic artifacts
related to important events in the course of life, clothes, embroideries,
tools and household items, charms and other objects related to
circumcision, religious coming-of-age, marriage and death.
Particular
attention is paid to the museum's educational role, especially
with regard to intercultural education and programs for children
and young people. Apart from its permanent displays, the museum
organizes temporary exhibitions and various events. The Jewish
Museum of Greece also has a library, a video-room, an educational
space and a shop.
Opening hours and admission
39, Nikis Street
Syntagma
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