The conversion of the historic “Perseus” guesthouse on Serifos into a museum will be formally inaugurated on Sunday, July 3, by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni. In a statement by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, the new museum, which has undergone gradual renovation, will host a permanent exhibition showcasing the island’s archaeological heritage, and periodic exhibitions of contemporary art.

The “Perseus” itself, designed and built in 1962-1963 by Filippos Vokos, is a typical example of modern architecture. Located on the coast, the project to convert the building has been gradual, incorporating aspects of its former use as a popular holiday guesthouse.

Memories of its former use resonate in the rooms, now filled with works of art, ancient and modern. As such, its uses and memories, past and present, are intertwined.

The museum now looks forward to its inauguration this weekend, showcasing two exhibitions. The ancient myth of Perseus forms the connecting narrative, linking the building and the two exhibitions: the Archaeological Collection of Serifos, and a periodic exhibition of contemporary art titled: “Perseus: From Serifos to the Stars.”  

The Archaeological Collection of Serifos

The Archaeological Collection of Serifos mainly consists of marble sculptures, statues, and tombstones, dating from the late Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Part of the exhibition showcases finds from the excavations at Aspropyrgos in Mavra Voladia. Ceramic vessels are also on display, including pithoi of the late Classical period, and amphorae from workshops elsewhere in the Aegean (Thassos and Crete), discovered in a deposit from Late Antiquity (4th–7th century).

Contemporary exhibition

The contemporary exhibition, titled “Perseus: From Serifos to the Stars” (ed. George Georgakopoulos), includes four wall prints of works of art by Fionas Mouzakiti, Nikos Giavropoulos, Fotini Kapiri and Penelope Massouri. A sound installation (sound art) by Nikos Stavropoulos, with references to the music and sounds of the operation of the building as a hotel, is also among the exhibits.

 The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday, July 4th.