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Archaeological Museum of Elefsina

Photo Gallery

Archaeological Museum of Elefsina (© Copyright: Yiannisscheidt)

Archaeological Museum of Elefsina

This modest archaeological museum vaunts discoveries from the region. Designed by J. Mousis as an extension of the plans of the German architect Kaverau, it was established in 1889 to house the excavation finds from the nearby site. The westernmost, sixth room was a succeeding annex.

The Archaeological Museum of Elefsina has a collection of objects dating from the 5th Century B.C. when the status of the temple was Panhellenic, and the abundance of devotees who migrated there to frequent the commemorations of the Elefsinian mysteries had grown significantly.

Distinguished discoveries constitute the proto-attic amphora from 650 B.C., a statue of a running maiden, and the Kore from the Ieri Oikia (sacred house). The 2 most significant findings of Elefsina have been transported to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and only their copies exist at the Elefsina museum.

The first is the relief of the 5th Century B.C., height 2.20 m, showing Demeter, the Kore and the King of Eleusis Triptolemos, who is planning to reveal agriculture to the world, according to the guidance of the goddess.

The second is the clay slab known as the Ninnion Tablet with a gable, dedicated by Ninnion, from the 4th Century B.C., with displays from the celebrations at the temple of Demeter, which its significance consists in the information that provides on the austere secluded rituals of the Elefsinian mysteries.