Byzantine & Christian Museum

The Byzantine and Christian Museum (Greek Βυζαντινό και Χριστιανικό Μουσείο, Vyzantino kai Christianiko Mousio ), short Byzantine Museum, is a museum in Athens, specializing in sacred Christian art.

History

The museum was founded in 1914 and located since 1930 in the Villa Ilissia, the built in 1840 to designs by Stamatios Kleanthis residence of the French Philhellenin Sophie de Marbois -Lebrun, Duchesse de Plaisance ( 1785-1854 ). Since 1989, training and educational programs are conducted on early Christian history. 1993 an extension was opened with a floor area of 12,600 m², which since then allows the presentation of a large portion of the approximately 25,000 exhibits from the period of the 3rd century BC to 20th century AD.

Exhibits

The exhibition is arranged chronologically, ranging from the late Roman art to the souvenirs Christian refugees from Asia Minor in 1922. A special feature is the treasure of Lesbos, which was buried by the inhabitants of the island to protect against pirates in the 7th century.