Cycladic Identity at International Museum Day 2025
The Cycladic Identity Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art participates in this year’s International Museum Day, on Sunday, May 18, with a series of screenings and storytelling sessions dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Cyclades.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” centers around three key pillars: intangible cultural heritage, the energy of youth, and new technologies. In line with this theme, the Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore its permanent exhibitions through engaging activities and storytelling.
Guests will also have the chance to experience traditional art forms such as basketry and weaving on a standing loom through live demonstrations at the museum halls. Additionally, story narrations will highlight Cycladic culture and oral traditions, and special screenings will showcase the Museum’s Cycladic Identity Initiative, dedicated to preserving the Cycladic cultural heritage.
THE PROGRAM
Ask Me
11:00-17:00
Ask Me Museum guides will be available throughout the day in the permanent exhibitions, offering insights and answering questions for visitors of all ages.
Venue: Permanent Exhibitions
“Stories that come to life
From narration to the printing press.”
11:30-11:50 & 12:10-12:30 & 12:50-13:10
Through a captivating fairy tale, participants will follow the journey of spoken word as it transforms into a written book. This narrative is ideal for families, children aged 5 and up, teens, and adults.
Narrator: Giorgos Evgenikos, narrator, storyteller
Venue: Auditorium | 5th floor
Three 20-minute sessions with breaks in between
Participation based on room capacity
“Acquaintance with the Art of Basketry”
12:00-13:00
This activity introduces children and adults to the traditional basketry techniques of Volax village on Tinos Island. Attendees will observe the basket-making process, learn about the tools and materials used, and discover the rich history of this artisanal craft.
Presenters: Nikos Xenopoulos – Basket Weaver
Fotini Xenopoulou – Director, Folklore Museum of Volax
Venue: Cypriot Art | 3rd floor
* Participation based on room capacity
“Ancient Weaving:
The Magic of the Standing Loom”
14:30-16:00
Visitors of all ages will observe live demonstrations of hand-weaving on a vertical loom and explore ancient weaving techniques practiced in the Cyclades and the broader ancient Greek world.
Presenter: Faye Chatzi – Artist of Ancient Weaving Art
Venue: Cypriot Art | 3rd floor
* Participation based on room capacity
Video screenings:
“Cycladic Identity – Supporting the local communities of the Cyclades
13:30-17:00
A series of short films from the Cycladic Identity Initiative will be screened, showcasing efforts to preserve the Cyclades’ cultural heritage. Highlights include oral histories from elderly residents of Amorgos, documentation of traditional water management in Andros, and recordings of local musicians from Kea.
Venue: Auditorium | 5th floor
*Repeating throughout the day
