Workshop on: “Integrated Information System for the Identification and Certification of Greek Museums” was held on Monday, 10 February 2025, by the Ministry of Culture, at the auditorium of the National Gallery.

The ultimate goal of the programme is the overall upgrading of the country’s museum sector and the creation of modern, sustainable and inclusive museums, capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century.

In her speech, the Minister of Culture highlighted the importance of the new Identification and Certification system, stressing: “Today’s museums are very different from those of the past. As living organisms, they are influenced by the ideological, socio-economic and cultural conditions of the society to which they belong. Recognising these changes, the International Council of Museums has recently adopted a new, modern and more inclusive definition of a museum that meets current and future requirements. In today’s world, museums perform a complex, dynamic and demanding social role, much more than their physical shells and collections. To respond, they must maintain strong reflexes and evolve with society, responding to its needs. Ideally, they should take the lead, fruitfully and creatively, in developments, rather than following or – even worse – resisting, clinging to outdated norms. Their effectiveness depends on their integration into everyday life and public debate. They must educate and inspire. They must impart knowledge, but also generate emotion and empathy. To provide services, but also experiences, addressing both the mind and the soul. To be open, accessible, engaging and inclusive. At the same time, they must ensure their operational efficiency and sustainability, combining adaptability and resilience.”

The Minister stressed the importance of the new Identification and Certification system, which allows the Ministry of Culture to perform its institutional role more effectively and to support Greek museums, both public and private, with expertise and, where possible, with resources. The aim of the Ministry of Culture is the overall upgrading of the structure, operation and services of museums, while strengthening their interconnection at national and international level.

As Lina Mendoni stressed, “The process of mandatory certification of museums of the Ministry of Culture is underway and is already being implemented in regions such as Epirus, Western Macedonia and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. In order to be certified, it is necessary to draw up and implement internal operating regulations, which define the organisational structure, the conditions of administrative competence, financial, operational and business sustainability. The regulation defines the scientific and technical framework for the management and conservation of the collections, the museological and museographic objectives, as well as the communication and public outreach policy‘.

The new Integrated Information System developed by the Ministry of Culture – the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage and the relevant Directorates – in cooperation with the Information Society and the companies Cosmote – InDigital, was presented in detail at the conference. The new Integrated Programme is now ready to be put into productive operation.