Museum of Traditional Greek Costumes
Kalamata has acquired a fascinating new museum dedicated to traditional Greek costumes, built around the personal collection of Ms. Victoria Karelia, which she subsequently donated to the “Lyceum of Hellenic Women of Kalamata” in order to preserve and showcase these striking examples of authentic dress.
The “Victoria Karelia” collection is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, comprising men’s and women’s costumes from many periods, along with accessories and eye-catching jewelry.
The exhibition premises have been provided by Kalamata Municipality in a listed 19th century building. The architectural design of the project is the work of Mr. Thanasis Kyratsous, while the exhibits themselves have been curated by costume designer and President of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, Ms. Ioanna Papantoniou in cooperation with fellow designer Mr. Stamatis Zannos.
The texts accompanying the exhibits have been written by Benaki Museum associate Ms. Xenia Politou, while the classification and arrangement of the exhibits are by Professor of Folklore Nadia Macha-Bizoumi. The lighting has been created by the Professor of Stage Lighting Design, Eleftheria Deko.
