The Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’ was founded in 1980, the main purpose being spiritual development and the cultural improvement of the residents, as well as the promotion of SantoriniThe main purpose of the Cultural Center is the spiritual development, the cultural improvement and the advancement, of Thira and its residents for the main part, but also of the whole Cycladic area in general. Within the dictates of this purpose, particularly during the tourist period, organizes painting exhibitions, concerts and musical recitals, theatrical performance, photographic exhibitions, lectures, traditional dances, film showings and other events …
Megaro Gyzi survived the earthquake of 1956 Megaro Gyzi is one of the few 17th century old family mansions to have survived the earthquake of 1956. It was donated by the Catholic Diocese of Santorini for the activities of the Cultural Center.The Manor’s front entrance is decorated by the Gyzi family crest. The Gyzi Manor is a structure of exceptional architectural interest and beauty, of which only the basement remained (following the 1956 earthquake), where the utility room of the old estate was housed.It is a unique building of its era in Santorini, since the ground floors develop around a patio, attributing a distinctive architecture to the inner open area that was created. This area is partly covered with an elegant cross-shaped dome.
The Restoration
With the support and contribution from the Catholic Diocese of Santorini it has been carefully restored in a way that it retains much of its original character in an effort to preserve those distinct features of the local architectural heritage.The building was minimally modified to meet the functional demands of a Cultural Centre accommodating exhibition space and facilities for cultural events.
Cultural Events
For over 25 years, since 1981, the Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’ has been annually organising between the 1st and 31st of August a festival of various cultural events including music concerts and painting exhibitions of well-known artists.All visitors, foreign and Greek, enjoy these events at no charge, since there is a free general admission policy.These activities of the Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’ contribute positively to Santorini’s cultural life for both the local residents of the island and its numerous friends and visitors.The Cultural Center ‘Megaro Gyzi’ has been established in the consciousness of the people of Santorini for the quality of its cultural events. It is an attraction to every visitor of the island, stamping its mark on the cultural events of Santorini beyond the trends of the time that are dominated by commercialization.
Permanent Collections
· A collection of authentic engravings
· A collection of old historical manuscripts
· A collection of paintings of Santorini
· A collection of paintings, donated by the Pintos couple
· A collection of old photographs of scenic Santorini
· A collection of Santorini’s strata
Megaro Gyzi Cultural Center
Fira Santorini 847 00 Greece
The museum is opposite the Roman Catholic Church.
Open from May 1st – October 31stDaily 10.30 – 13.30 & 17.00 – 20.00Sundays 10.30 – 16.30
Tel : +30 22860 23077Fax: +30 22860 22428