For the first time, some 150 works of art have traveled from the Cyclades islands to Athens to feature in the Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades show which kicks off on Thursday at the Museum of Cycladic Art.
The art works on display tell the stories of the women who lived on the Cyclades islands from antiquity until the 17th century, shedding light on the circumstances and their struggles to achieve visibility.
“The women in this exhibition are the protagonists, both in the private and public spheres: in the family, religion, economy, and politics,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni (photo) during a press conference in Athens on Tuesday.
Mendoni further highlighted the contrast between a restricted life and a dynamic presence, which she said, “reflects the resilience, adaptability, and ability of Cycladic women to redefine their identity and role based on the conditions of each era.”
The show, jointly organized by the Greek Culture Ministry, the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, and the Museum of Cycladic Art, will run until May 4, 2025.
Marble statue of the Greek goddess Artemis from the late Hellenistic period. Photo: Andreas Santrouzanos
“Many of these unique works have never traveled beyond the Cyclades, the Museum of Cycladic Art, or been displayed publicly before,” said Kassandra Marinopoulou, president and CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art, during Tuesday’s press conference.
After Athens, this first-of-its-kind exhibition will travel to the Archaeological Museum of Thera (Santorini) in June.
Journalists received an exclusive preview of the exhibition on Tuesday. The show marks the first of many initiatives planned under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Culture Ministry and the museum signed last May by Mendoni and Marinopoulou. The partnership aims to advance the study and global promotion of Cycladic culture.
Travelers visiting Greece will also get a glimpse of the show at Athens International Airport through to May 31.
