Museum of Cycladic Art

The Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, located in the heart of Athens, is one of the most fascinating cultural institutions in Greece, dedicated to promoting the ancient civilizations of the Aegean and Cyprus, with a particular emphasis on Cycladic art from the 3rd millennium BC. Founded in 1986 to house the collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris, the museum quickly became one of the main cultural attractions in Athens, thanks to its rich collection and innovative exhibitions. The museum houses a permanent collection that includes over 3,000 artifacts, including marble figurines, ceramics, weapons, and tools dating back to the Cycladic period, ancient Greece, and Cyprus. These artifacts testify to the civilizations that flourished in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean from the 4th millennium BC to the 6th century AD. The collection of Cycladic art is particularly fascinating for its marble figurines, which are among the purest and most minimalist expressions of prehistoric art. These figurines, characterized by simple lines and abstract forms, have inspired modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. One of the most iconic objects in the museum is a female figurine from the Early Bronze Age period (2700-2300 BC), made of crystalline white marble. This piece perfectly represents the minimalist aesthetic of Cycladic art, with its triangular face, prominent nose, and slightly angular shoulders. The arms are crossed over the chest, a common feature in Cycladic figurines, which is thought to symbolize fertility or protection. Another distinctive feature of the museum is its architecture. The complex includes the main building and the Stathatos Mansion, a magnificent neoclassical residence that hosts temporary exhibitions. These two buildings are connected, creating a continuous exhibition path that allows visitors to explore the different collections in a fluid and coherent way. Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris began collecting Cycladic art in the 1960s, driven by their passion for Greek history and culture. Their private collection grew rapidly, including not only Cycladic art, but also artifacts from ancient Greece and Cyprus. The decision to create a museum to house this collection was motivated by the desire to share these wonders with the public and to promote research and study of the ancient civilizations of the Aegean. Visiting the Museum of Cycladic Art means immersing oneself in a journey through millennia of history, exploring the roots of Western civilization through the eyes of the ancient artists and craftsmen of the Aegean. The museum’s collections offer a unique window into the life, beliefs, and art of ancient Cycladic, Greek, and Cypriot cultures, providing visitors with an educational and inspiring experience.