See the urn that contains the ACTUAL HEART of our island's hero Admiral Miaoulis! The museum is a great place to visit for a quick fix of Hydra's period of political dominance during the last couple of centuries, a must visit during any trip to the island. Regularly throughout the summer, the exhibition halls have art shows that are always preceded by opening parties (everyone is always welcome with or without invitation). And, the roof terrace is a divine location to hold an early evening, sunset, civil wedding ceremony at, with or without a grand piano accompaniment!
The Historical Archive Museum of Hydra houses many items donated to the museum by the descendants of the families who dominated the social structure of the island in the 1800's and were instrumental in the launch of the Greek War of Independence. The museum has a distinctive nautical theme which reflects the strategic importance that Hydra held during that time as a safe harbour from which to launch the Greek fleet. The museum is a particularly good place to visit if you are researching the history of Hydra and how it contributed to the development of modern day Greece.
The Archives were originally classified and catalogued by Antonios Lignos who was the doctor as well as the Mayor of the island. And the Hydra shipowner and benefactor, Ghikas Koulouras built and offered the original building to the Archives for the use of the local community.Visiting researchers are most welcome by appointment.
The current building was finished in 1996 on the same site and now houses the archives and an impressive array of swords, clothing, replica ships and portraits from the period. One of the most prized possessions of the museum is the decorated, silver urn that contains the embalmed heart of Admiral Miaoulis!
The Museum's main exhibits spread over two floors (there is a lift and ramps for those less able to tackle the stairs) with an exhibition hall on the ground floor and a second exhibition hall on the top floor next to the massive roof terrace, which is often used for open air concerts during the summer.
The exhibition halls have various art exhibitions throughout the year with well established and highly regarded artists such Irini Kana and Panagiotis Tountas as well as an annual exhibition by the local school children quite a few of which have talent beyond what would normally be expected!
Enquiries
The museum's shop is on the ground floor behind reception and has an excellent range of good quality gifts and souvenirs as well as some excellent books on sale for those who want a good souvenir of their holiday in Hydra.
The Historical Archives Museum is open from:
All Year - Everyday
From 09:00 - 16:00 (Summer: + 19:30-21:30)
The exhibition halls are open in the evenings at various times as advertised.
Entrance is charged at €5 per person (Concessions: €3)
Curator: Mrs Dina Adamopoulou
Tel: +(30) 22980-52355, 54142