Thera Wallpainting Exhibition Hall — The Thera Foundation

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at Petros M. Nomikos Conference Center, Santorini

The discovery of the wall-paintings of Akrotiri, Thera, in the excavations (1967-1974) of Professor Spyridon Marinatos is of outstanding importance for our knowledge of the early Aegean world. It ranks alongside Schliemann's opening of the Shaft Graves of Mycenae in 1876 and Evan's uncovering of the Palace of Knossos with its collections of inscribed tablets in 1900.

Of all the finds unearthed in the excavations at Akrotiri, there can be little doubt that the wall-paintings constitute the most significant contribution to our knowledge of Aegean art and society. In technique, style and thematic content they are an invaluable object study for archaeologists, art historian, zoologists, botanists, chemists, and a host of other specialists, and a virtually inexhaustible source of information on the art, economy, environment, technology, manners and customs - indeed life in general - in the first half of the second millennium BC.

The Thera Foundation hopes that by making the wall-paintings of Akrotiri widely available for study and enjoyment it is making a significant contribution to the understanding of early Aegean culture.

The P.M.Nomikos Exhibition centers in Santorini holds the totality of the 3D life sized wall painting reproductions found in Akrotiri.

Following the September '05 closure of Akrotiri and the expected 2 to 3 years needed for the site's repair we have taken the initiative to create a virtual tour of the Akrotiri Archaeological Site. This walk through allows visitors to the museum to gain an impression of the complexities and size of the site of Akrotiri.