Epigraphical Museum

Epigraphical Museum (© Copyright; Ministry of Culture)

Epigraphical Museum

The Epigraphical Museum, founded in 1885, is comprised of a compelling collection of over 13.500 inscriptions from the region of Attica and other parts of the country, especially South Greece.

It is officially the third largest museum of its kind in the world and has on display mostly Greek pieces from early historical times to the Late Roman period. Also referred to as the «Library of Stones», it is accommodated in the south wing of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. It comprises an internal and external courtyard (atrium), a lobby, eleven rooms, a large hypostyle Pi-shaped corridor, a gallery, offices, a laboratory for the conservation of inscribed stone monuments and lavatories. Four of its rooms are open to the public, while the remaining 2 rooms are reserved for research professionals and employees.

The Epigraphic Museum is a special regional service of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. It aims to protect, conserve and put on exhibit its precious collection. A complete photographic archive of the inscriptions is currently being assembled for future visitors to access the catalogue digitally in a specialized library.

The museum holds epigraphic seminars and special conducted tours as well as educational programs for students of schools under the titles «Speaking stones» and «Resolved by the council and people. The Athenian Democracy honors its citizens».