European Museum of the Year Award

The Greek nomination for this year’s European Museum of the Year Award is the Cretan open-air Museum Lychnostatis (Greek for candelabrum).

Operating since July 1992, the museum is dedicated to Cretan folk heritage, focusing on tradition and ethnology, as well as the island’s environment and its products. It further presents the works of local self-taught folk artists. In summer months, the museum organizes special educational activities for children, aiming to familiarize them with the role of tradition and the interrelation between humans and nature.

Located in Hersonissos, one of the principal tourist areas of Crete, and is open throughout the year. The premises feature traditional dwellings, a windmill, an olive press, a distillery, and a traditional café (kafeneion) offering a variety of Cretan products.

One of the primary goals of the museum is to encourage the preservation of the Cretan folk culture and the natural environment.

For more information about the Museum Lychnostatis, visit its website at:

www.lychnostatis.gr

Source: Greek News Agenda and www.Lychnostatis.gr