MADE IN KALAMATA

The Association for the Promotion of Letters was founded in 1936 by a group of scholars. In 1937, it established the Popular School to combat illiteracy that existed in the city at that time. Additionally, the Association organizes lectures, literary afternoons, and publishes literary content. In 1953, it began accepting donations of items with the aim of establishing the Historical and Folklore Museum, which first opened in 1973 in the Kyriakou Mansion. The mansion is used on loan from the Municipality of Kalamata, as Georgios Kyriakou bequeathed it to the Municipality. After the devastating earthquakes of 1986, the Museum suspended its operations until funds could be found for its restoration and reopening. The Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Kalamata, and the Georgios and Victoria Karelia family assisted in this effort.
The Museum features thematic sections on: rural life, agricultural industry, weaving art, pottery, urban professions, typography, bookbinding, a sample urban house, a traditional café, historical material related to the Greek Revolution of March 23, 1821, costume elements, and the traditional Kalamata attire. Finally, it exhibits icons from the so-called Hagiographic School of Mani, ecclesiastical gold-embroidered items, liturgical vessels, and more.

OPENING HOURS
01/06 10:00-14:00
02/06 –

Photos: museum’s archive