Messene

In addition to the New Archaeological Museum, the impressive site of Ancient Messene is being upgraded

The Central Archaeological Council has approved a plan to improve the visitor experience at Ancient Messene in the southwest Peloponnese, one of the country's top archaeological sites.

The upcoming Archaeological Museum of Ancient Messene in the Peloponnese is set to provide an additional 800 square meters of exhibition space over the capacity of the existing structure. The enhanced facility will also include supplementary storage facilities and additional rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions and educational programs.

Petros Themelis, one of the most prominent Greek archaeologists who headed the excavation and restoration of the vast site of Ancient Messene since 1987 has died, aged 87. 

He spent his last few days in the ICU of the hospital in Kalamata.

Themelis was born in 1936 in Thessaloniki and studied at the Experimental School of the University of Thessaloniki.

The new culture minister, Lina Mendoni on Tuesday sought to underline the priorities of the new government in her field, heralding a revamp of the capital's historic center and plans for "sustainable development" in regions that host some of Greece's most significant archaeological sites and monuments.

Twenty-two large-scale contemporary outdoor sculptures inspired by the Doric order in classical architecture are on display among the ruins of the ancient city of Messene in the southwestern Peloponnese.

With Greece entering peak tourism season, electronic tickets for some of Greece's most popular museums and archaeological sites can now be purchased online at www.etickets.tap.gr, the Culture Ministry said on Thursday.

The archaeological site of ancient Messene in southern Greece will be hosting 22 bronze, iron and stainless steel sculptures by Greek artists Giorgos Houliaras and George Zongolopoulos from July 14 until the end of September. The exhibition, titled 'Zongolopoulos-Houliaras-Messana,' is an initiative of the site's chief excavator, Petros Themelis.

The Onassis Cultural Center has set up shop at the Archaeological Site of Messene in the southwestern Peloponnese for an event where artists are invited to explore the relationship between music and location. Running through Sunday, June 3, "Tuned City" comprises talks, performances and presentations. Admission to the site, which will open daily at 9 a.m., is free of charge for the event.

An electronic ticket for 11 archaeological sites including the capital's National Archaeological Museum and Byzantine Museum is set to come into effect from June 1 as the tourist season enters its peak, Kathimerini understands.