The Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades is inaugurating the first major temporary inter-Cycladic exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, entitled: “Vanity. Stories of Jewellery in the Cyclades”.

The exhibition presents jewelry from the Cyclades in a historical sequence extending across seven millennia. From the Neolithic jewelry of the 6th millennium B.C. to the 1970s, their history is traced through 230 exhibits from 19 different Cycladic islands: Amorgos, Andros, Despotiko, Delos, Thera, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Rhenea, Saliagos, Sifnos, Syros, Schoinousa, and Tinos.

The majority of the pieces are being publicly exhibited for the first time. They include loans from the National Archaeological Museum in Athens and the Byzantine and Christian Museum, as well as jewelry being exhibited for the first time within the framework of an archaeological exhibition, with loans from the Folklore Museum of Mykonos, the Ecclesiastical Museum in Ekatontapyliani, Paros, and the Collection of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art in Naousa, Paros, in addition to the jewelry of Maroulina, courtesy of her grandson Aris Georgiadis.

Three paintings are also being displayed in the Cyclades for the first time as part of the exhibition: a 17th-century icon of the Virgin with Child from Paros, the famous Late Cycladic “Priestess” fresco from the prehistoric city of Akrotiri, and a 13th-century wall painting of a standing Virgin with Child from Naxos. 

Diadems, hair rings and earrings, necklaces and pendants, fibulas and pins, finger rings and bracelets made from shells, bone and ivory, common and semi-precious stones, glass, faience, and coral as well as of bronze, silver and gold reveal the eternal human need to adorn the body, hair, and clothing. 

The exhibition closes with contemporary creations by leading Greek artists who have designed pieces especially for the exhibit: Deux Hommes, Elena Syraka, Ileana Makri, Ιoanna Souflia, Lito, Minas, Νikos Koulis, Sofia Vamiali, Sophia Kokosalaki, Two is Company, Venyx by Eugenie Niarchos, Yannis Sergakis.

The idea, design, and implementation of the exhibit has been carefully constructed in order to attract the public of Mykonos to the museum. The concept is realized in unique fashion thanks to the inspired museographic design of Kois Associated Architects and lighting design by Eleftheria Deko, who both donated their time and expertise to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades.

The exhibition has been organised with the help of the Municipality of Mykonos, Ministry of Culture and Athletics and private donations and grants, and by the financial contribution of the Municipality. 

After closing on Mykonos, the exhibit will travel to museums on other Cycladic islands.