What I can see

On the Themistokleous Coast and specifically at the Zeas Marina, is the Maritime Museum of Greece. Through the 2,500 exhibits, arranged in chronological and thematic order, we see the commercial and military nautical history of Greece from prehistoric to modern times. In addition to the many objects associated with maritime tradition, there are many miniatures, paintings, photographs, calendars, maps and other historical documents. The main building of the museum is circular in shape to match the surrounding area. It consists of 10 large rooms, has a total area of 1,850 sq.m.; the first of these rooms is the naval gallery with works by major sea painters of the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the external exhibits, which are worth noticing, are the anchors of the historic Navarino battle, which defined Greece’s course towards independence from the Ottoman Empire.

What I can't see

The museum’s goals are to preserve heirlooms, historical study and documentation, to highlight long-standing maritime history, and to encourage engagement with the sea, as it has always been a source of wealth for Greece. The museum is a member of the International Committee of Maritime Museums (ICMM), the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the Association of Mediterranean Maritime Museums (AMMM) and participates in international conferences and exhibitions. It serves over 2,000 researchers and students annually, and the rich library consists of over 17,000 titles. The original study of the museum envisaged a circular canopy over the square, and also included an imitation of an ancient building on one side, but neither of these were ever constructed.

Info

• Address: Themistokleous coast

Bibliography