The island of Santorini is about to welcome a major cultural event that shines a light on the powerful, untold stories of women throughout Cycladic history.
Following its successful run in Athens, the acclaimed exhibition Kykladitisses (Cycladic Women): Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades will travel to Santorini to mark the reopening of the newly renovated Archaeological Museum of Thera. The exhibition officially opens to the public on 14 June 2025 and will run through to 31 October 2025.
Organised by the Museum of Cycladic Art in collaboration with Greece’s Ministry of Culture and the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, this major exhibition is the first of its kind to unite so many treasures from across the Aegean islands. The Santorini event is also co-hosted by the Municipality of Thera.
What makes Kykladitisses so special? It tells the story of the Cyclades through the lives and legacies of its women—from ancient times all the way to the 19th century. The exhibition brings together 180 rare and extraordinary artefacts from across the islands of Amorgos, Andros, Delos, Thera, Ios, Kea, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos and Folegandros.
These objects—many of which have never been seen outside the Cyclades—include figurines, jewellery, sculptures, pottery, coins, frescoes, mosaics, tombstones, and even ancient legal inscriptions. Together, they paint a vivid picture of how women lived, worshipped, worked and shaped society throughout the region’s history.
Three standout highlights of the exhibition include:
- The colossal Kore from Thera, a 2.48-metre-tall archaic statue that remains almost completely intact.
- The breathtaking Akrotiri fresco “Women in the Sanctuary”, a nearly 4-metre-long mural offering rare insight into prehistoric Santorini.
- The Hellenistic statue of Artemis Elaphebolos from Delos, which will be displayed outside its home island for the very first time.
This landmark cultural event follows a formal agreement signed in 2024 between Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Sandra Marinopoulou, President and CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art. Their goal: to promote Cycladic culture more widely across Greece and the world.
Whether you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, or simply captivated by the rich stories of the Greek islands, Kykladitisses offers a rare and deeply human perspective into one of the world’s most iconic civilisations—through the eyes of its women.
Don’t miss your chance to see it in Santorini this year.
Exhibition Details
Kykladitisses (Cycladic Women): Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades
Archaeological Museum of Thera, Fira, Santorini
Opening date: 14 June 2025
Closing date: 31 October 2025
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