Archaeological Museum of Corfu: A Journey Through Time

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu, located in Corfu Town, is a treasure trove of artifacts that narrate the island's history from the Paleolithic era to Roman times. Constructed between 1962 and 1965 and inaugurated in 1967, the museum was initially established to house the finds from the Temple of Artemis in Paleopolis. In 1994, two additional halls were added to accommodate new discoveries from excavations around Corfu. The museum's exhibits include bronze and marble statues, funeral offerings, ancient coins, pottery, and jewelry. The most iconic exhibit is the Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis, dating back to 585 BC, considered the oldest stone pediment in Greece. The museum also features a stone lion of Menecrates, believed to be a funeral offering, a limestone pediment from a temple of Dionysus, terracotta statues of Artemis, and a marble torso of Apollo. The museum is divided into two levels. The ground floor displays prehistoric finds, showcasing the island's distant past from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age. The upper level explores Corfu's history from the 7th century BC to the 4th century AD, highlighting its peak in Archaic and Classical times, the impact of the Peloponnesian War, and its eventual surrender to the Romans. Exhibits from the agora, harbors, sanctuaries, private houses, workshops, and cemeteries offer insights into daily life in ancient Corfu. Recent renovations between 2012 and 2016 have modernized the museum, enhancing the visitor experience. The museum is accessible to people with disabilities, featuring wheelchair ramps, a lift, and accessible restrooms. Exhibits for tactile exploration are available for visually impaired visitors.