Inauguration of the historical Guesthouse “Perseus” of Serifos as a museum

with the Archaeological Collection of Serifos

and an exhibition of contemporary artists inspired by the myth of Perseus

Sunday 3 July 2022, 17.30

The decommissioned building of Perseus of Serifos, the work of the architect Philip Vokos of 1962-63, typical example example of modern architecture with the characteristic typology of the hostels, which has been partially concessioned by the Municipality of Serifos to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, comes back to life: it takes off its  Guesthouse outfit to put on that of the museum.

The project will be implemented in stages, based on the concept of “undressing”/”dressing”, which, apart from the change of function, it refers to the architectural transformation that the renovation implies, in order to highlight the the compositional principles and elements of the historic building in the light of its new use.

While the new look is being prepared, the building on the seafront of Serifos recalls memories of its old use that echo through its rooms, which are now filled with works of art, both ancient and contemporary. Uses and memories intertwine. The two-part temporary exhibition aims to highlight the work in progress of converting the historic Xenia into a museum, by the Ephorate of Cyclades Antiquities, along with the rendering of it to the public.

The “Perseus” gradually regains its former glamour as a museum, and converses with the objects of art that it hosts. The myth of Perseus is the thread of the narrative, the occasion for a tour of the museum. The myth of Persephone is the thread of the narrative, the route to the space and the link between the building and the two distinct exhibitions it hosts. and the temporary exhibition of works by contemporary artists under the subtitle “Perseus – From Serifos to the stars”.

The Serifos Archaeological Collection is presented to the public again after one year in its new shell, within the guest rooms of the Guesthouse. It consists mainly of sections of marble sculptures and statues as well as relief tombstone columns dating from the late Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods, telling stories from the island’s long past. These are scattered finds from Chora, which are  identified with the ancient city of Serifos. A distinctive section of findings from the restoration project of the Aspropyrgos in Mavra Voladia (NSRF 2007-2013 project), an archaeological site that can be visited today. On display are vases, mainly pithoi of the late classical period and amphorae from Aegean workshops (Thassos, Crete) from a deposit of late antiquity (4th-7th century) next to the tower.

Photo 2: View of room 2 with parts of large sculptures of the Hellenistic period

The contemporary exhibition, entitled “Perseus: from Serifos to the stars”, (curated by George Georgakopoulos), includes four wall prints of visual art works by cheapart artists (Fionas Mouzakitis, Nikos Yavropoulos, Fotini Kapiri and Penelope Masouri), inspired by the myth Perseus’ myth and a sound installation (sound art) by Nikos Stavropoulos, with references to music and sounds of the building’s operation as a hotel.

The building “Perseus” with its new use and the double temporary exhibition will be inaugurated by the Minister Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture and Sports, on Sunday 03.07.2022, at 17.30.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday 04.07.2022.

Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades

PERCEYS SERIFOS MUSEUM

Livadi Serifos, Avlomonas beach

Visiting hours

Monday, Wednesday – Sunday | 08:30 – 16:00

Friday | 14:00 – 22:00

Tuesday | closed