Project Title: Creation of the Interactive Room for the History of Traditional Silver Craftswork of Ioannina
Acronym: SilverHistory-Ioannina
Coordinator / Supervisor: Professor Georgios Papaioannou
Type of Funding: National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF / ΕΣΠΑ)
Funding Source: Operational Programme “Epirus” (Co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and National Resources)
Dates: 2011
Project Website
Project Overview
The Interactive Room on the History of Traditional Silver Craftswork is a pioneering museological project located within the Traditional Crafts Center of Ioannina (KE.PA.V.I.). Under the scientific supervision of Professor Georgios Papaioannou, the project aimed to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of Ioannina’s world-renowned silversmithing tradition through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies.
The exhibition space is designed as an immersive educational experience, structured around five core thematic units:
1. Historical Evolution: The development of silverwork in the Epirus region from the Byzantine era to the present.
2. Materials & Sources: The raw materials used by Ioannina craftsmen.
3. Traditional Techniques: A deep dive into “Savat,” Filigree (Syrmatero), and Hammered (Tofte) methods.
4. The Workshop: A reconstruction of the traditional workspace, showcasing authentic tools and molds.
5. Social Impact: The role of the Silversmiths’ Guild in the economic and cultural life of the city.
Innovative Features:
The project integrated interactive kiosks, multimedia applications, and mixed reality elements, allowing visitors to “interact” with the craftsmen’s tools and visualize the intricate process of silver transformation. By bridging the gap between a traditional trade and the digital age, the museum serves as a vital educational hub for students, researchers, and tourists, ensuring that the art of Ioannina silver remains vibrant and accessible to future generations.