Ναυτικο Μουσείο Αιγαίου - Aegean Maritime Museum, South Aegean Travel Guide

Located in the heart of Mykonos Town, the Aegean Maritime Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's profound connection to the sea. Founded in 1983 by George M. Drakopoulos and opened to the public in 1985, the museum is housed in a traditional 19th-century Cycladic building in the Tria Pigadia area. The building itself once belonged to Captain Nikolaos Sourmelis, a hero known for his support of Cretan resistance against the Turks.The museum's collection includes ship models from the pre-Minoan period to the early 20th century, showcasing the evolution of shipbuilding and navigation in the Aegean. Visitors can also explore historical shipping documents, rare engravings, maps, nautical instruments, and a collection of coins with nautical themes dating from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD. The museum's garden features the Armenistis Lighthouse, built in 1890, and marble headstones of ancient sailors collected from Mykonos and Delos.The Aegean Maritime Museum stands out as the first Greek museum to restore historical maritime exhibits to their original working condition. These include the Armenistis Lighthouse, the sailing ship 'Evangelistria' (built in 1940), and the steamship 'Thalis o Milissios' (built in 1909).