European Union-Funded Project Creates Greece's First State-Run Museum of Cycladic Art on Naxos Island

An ambitious project, backed by an 8.3-million-euro investment from the European Union's Recovery Fund, is underway on Naxos's Aegean island. Its goal is to establish Greece's inaugural state-run museum dedicated to ancient Cycladic art, known as the Museum of Cycladic Culture.

The museum will house a collection of invaluable artifacts, including idols that were confiscated by US authorities from American billionaire Michael Steinhardt in 2021. These exhibits will be prominently displayed, serving as a testament to Greece's efforts to reclaim similar items that were unlawfully taken from the country. The museum's mission aligns with that of the Acropolis Museum, which actively advocates for the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Dimitris Athanasoulis, the Ephorate of Cycladic Antiquities director, emphasized the Culture Ministry's commitment to returning looted artifacts associated with the Cycladic civilization, even if their specific origins are unknown. The intention is for these cultural treasures to find their rightful place on Naxos, whether they are seized or voluntarily returned.

The Museum of Cycladic Culture establishment signifies a significant step in preserving and showcasing Greece's rich artistic heritage while also championing the importance of repatriation and cultural restitution.