• January 8, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Continental 8/9, Ballroom Level

3J: Transforming the Life of Society by bringing the Past into the Present: Projects carried out by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture towards the Protection, Enhancement and Communication of the Greek Cultural Heritage (Colloquium)

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Sponsored by:
Hellenic Ministry of Culture

Organizers:
Anastasia Gadolou, Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Musuem of Thessaloniki, and Andreas Vlachopoulos, University of Ioannina

Discussants:
James C. Wright, Bryn Mawr College and Claire L. Lyons, J. Paul Getty Museum

Overview Statement:
The interpretation and use of the ancient past all over the world and in the Mediterranean particularly—a region rich with cultural and archaeological significance—emerges, apart from attributed meanings by communities, from the countries’ legal frameworks and management plans attributed in the enhancement and protection of the various archaeological sites and monuments.

The Hellenic Ministry of Culture’s strategy for protecting cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible—centers on ensuring it is safeguarded, shared by everyone, and accessible for future generations. Key aims include improving archaeological sites and monuments, highlighting their role as social advantages, and preserving their historical, environmental, and biodiversity values. Greek state museum collections are managed with these same aims (Greek Law 4858/21. Gov. Gazette A/220/19.11.21. “On the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in General”).

Through projects led by the ministry’s Ephorates of Antiquities and Museums, culture is recognized as a driver of development, social inclusion, and civic empowerment. The ministry promotes culture as a tool for resilience, prosperity, and digital innovation in a rapidly changing world.

Cultural heritage is complex, shaped by the values of past societies, yet it offers modern opportunities to reconnect with those histories. The management of archaeological sites and museums seeks to reflect the diverse ways people engage with heritage—through visits, routes, or digital tools—imbuing cultural products with symbolic, educational, and experiential value.

The nexus between culture and development was studied in particular during the UNESCO Decade of Culture and Development (1988–1997), resulting in the WCCD Report “Our Creative Diversity” (WCCD, 1995). The Helsinki Declaration of 1996 on the political dimension of cultural heritage conservation recognized cultural heritage as an economic factor for local development. A landmark event in this process has been the integration of culture in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in 2015 (Agenda 2030, Target 11.4) .

In the above theoretical context, and in the frame of the UNESCO’s world cultural policies, five papers are presented, each highlighting different approaches to the protection and communication of Greek cultural heritage:

1. Petres Archaeological Site (Florina, Macedonia): This project focuses on conserving a remote archaeological site and integrating it with the natural environment. Emphasis is placed on connecting visitors to heritage through an inclusive and socially aware approach.

2. Ancient Theater of Larissa (Thessaly): The restoration of the theater and surrounding monuments has revitalized the area, influencing urban planning and strengthening the community’s connection to its cultural identity.

3. “CULTUREID”-RFID in Thessaloniki Museum: This initiative introduces RFID technology in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, allowing interactive digital experiences. It also supports efficient management and personalized tours based on visitor interests and museum activity.

4. New Archaeological Museum of Chania (Crete): This paper highlights how the museum enhances the communication and education of western Crete’s heritage and connects it with contemporary art through temporary exhibitions.

5. Thematic Cultural Routes: Developed by the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, these include:

• Monumental Mycenaean works,
• The journey from Homer to Cervantes,
• The footsteps of Saint Paul.

Each route aims to offer an immersive experience of cultural and environmental richness, promoting awareness through conservation, infrastructure upgrades of archaeological sites and monuments, and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.