GREECE TAKES FIRST STEP TO CREATE MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ANTIQUITIES IN PIRAEUS
The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) has handed over under a concession deal a 1934 silo on the port of Piraeus and the surrounding space to the Greek Culture Ministry so that it may be converted into a Museum of Underwater Antiquities as part of the Piraeus Cultural Coast project.
The handing-over ceremony took place this week in the presence of PPA Chairman Yu Zenggang, China’s Ambassador to Greece, Xiao Junzheng, and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
The project, budgeted 77.5 million euros, will be financed through RRF funds secured by the culture ministry and is set to be completed by the end of 2025. OLP Authorities expect the Museum of Underwater Antiquities to contribute to the increase in revenues as the public and travelers will show interest in visiting the attractions. The concession goes into effect after the finalization of the agreement and is valid through to February 12, 2052 with a nominal consideration.
“Today is a very important day,” said Mendoni. “It marks the beginning of the creation of the Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus. The establishment of the museum in the port area strengthens the cultural and changing image of Piraeus, and at the same time provides added value to PPA SA’s investment. The silo building, reborn as a Museum of Underwater Antiquities – one of the few international museums of its kind – will highlight the archaeological wealth of the Greek seas, while at the same time functioning as a tourist attraction and a source of wealth for the city of Piraeus,” she added.