Folklore Museum of Kymi Travel Guide

The Folklore Museum of Kymi, established in 1981 by the Cultural Association of Kymi, is a treasure trove of local history and traditions. Housed in a three-story neoclassical building dating back to the late 19th century, the museum is located in the center of Kymi. The building itself is a piece of history, once serving as the local branch of the National Bank of Greece.The museum's extensive collection, numbering around 1,600 items, has been entirely composed of donations from the residents of Kymi. These artifacts represent various aspects of popular art and life during Kymi's prosperous period from 1800 to 1930, when the town thrived on the trade of local red wine. The exhibits include weaving, embroidery, local costumes, metallurgy, pottery, wood carving, and paintings. Visitors can explore a traditional house representation, bridal costumes, military uniforms from the Balkan Wars, religious vestments, and an "urban corner". The museum also features household items, a library, a photography darkroom, and photos and documents related to Kymi, including those of the locally-born doctor George Papanicolaou.In the basement, you'll find waxworks, a washing room, and a traditional underground cellar with farmer's tools. The museum also has a garden with an open-air theater that hosts cultural events during the summer. A branch of the museum is planned to be established in the Chrysanthopoulos Mansion in the nearby village of Pyrgos, showcasing the works of the 19th-century artist Sotiris Chrisanthopoulos.