Project Title: Study and Implementation of the Folklore Museum of Margariti, Thesprotia
Acronym: N/A (Often referred to as the Margariti Museum Project)
Coordinator / Supervisor: Professor Georgios Papaioannou
Type of Funding: Public / Regional Development Funding
Funding Source: Operational Programme “Epirus” / Ministry of Culture and Sports
Dates: 2008 – 2009
Project Website
Project Overview
The project involved the comprehensive museological study and physical implementation of the Folklore Museum of Margariti, located in the Thesprotia region of Epirus, Greece. Led by Professor Georgios Papaioannou, an expert in museology and Director of the Museology Research Laboratory at the Ionian University, the initiative aimed to transform a historic 19th-century building into a vibrant cultural center.
Key features of the project include:
– Educational Integration: The museum serves as both an exhibition space and a cultural center, designed to preserve the collective memory of the Margariti community and educate visitors on the traditional crafts of Epirus.
– Historical Preservation: The museum is housed in a restored mansion dating back to 1893, situated in the historic market area (pazari) of Margariti.
– Thematic Exhibitions: The permanent exhibition focuses on the pre-industrial heritage of the region, featuring a prominent section titled “Wool, flax, loom and sewing machine”.
– Cultural Representation: It includes a meticulous reconstruction of a “winter oda” (traditional living quarters) from the late 19th century, showcasing local furniture, textiles, and domestic life.