CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Programmatic Agreement for the development of a research project for the creation of a new innovative Archaeological Museum of Archanes was signed between the Technical University of Crete, the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Crete and the Municipality of Archanes Asterousia.

Professor Panagiotis Parthenios, of the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Crete, was appointed as the Scientific Coordinator of the Research Programme and attended the signing event that took place in the Region of Crete on 12.12.2024, in the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.

From the Technical University of Crete, professors Parthenios Panagiotis, Karagianni Anna, Geropanta Vasiliki, Tsaras Ioannis, Andreadakis Dimitrios, Tzobanakis Alexios, Vazakas Alexandros, Kolokotsa Dionysia and doctoral and undergraduate students, as well as faculty members of other universities, are participating.

The Digital Media Lab of the Technical University of Crete was appointed as the implementing institution. The Lab’s extensive experience and significant expertise in the design of sites of cultural interest, its rich know-how and equipment for the use of innovative technologies for the detailed mapping of existing cultural buildings and their surroundings, its long experience in historical documentation, digital representation and innovative management of cultural heritage sites and exhibits, are particularly useful and create a competitive advantage in the design of the museum space. Furthermore, in his ongoing research projects in the fields of innovative human-centred and inclusive design, the use of digital media for the promotion and use of cultural buildings and the implementation of smart city strategies for the interconnection of building with inhabitants and city, he has established long-standing and important collaborations with different disciplines, such as archaeologists, architects, civil engineers, computer engineers, environmental engineers, etc.

The Museum will be housed in the premises of the old bottling plant of the former Agricultural Cooperative of Archanes, with a total area of approximately 7,000 sq.m., which will be restored and redesigned to meet the needs of a modern, technologically advanced, Archaeological Museum. This will offer the possibility of exhibiting not only the archaeological treasures of Archanes, but also the important archaeological material from the wider region. At the same time, such a site will act as a visitor attraction and will satisfy the needs for conservation, scientific study and protection of the antiquities of the area.