The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens is an outcome of the shadow puppet tradition in Greece. Although established in 1991, the museum opened in 1996. With the hard work and effort of Evgenios Spatharis, one of the best puppet artists of Greece, the museum is now an important attraction of the Greek capital.
What is in The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens?
The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens is founded by Eugenios Spatharis. The name of the museum is also derived from his last name. Most of the material in the museum comes from the collection of Eugenios Spatharis and his father, Sotiris Spatharis. Also, several other shadow puppet artists donated material to the museum in time.
Apart from the visuals, The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum also has informative sections. The history of this strange art form is explained in detail throughout its beginning in the 1860s and its progression through the 20th century. The museum’s mission statement is explained by its founder, Evgenios Spatharis: “[The museum] is not to show a lifeless exhibition of shadows…On the contrary, the intention is to keep them alive in a permanent hospitable home in which all young and old visitors will be accepted to amuse themselves and leave satisfied. Karagiozis’ friends can also travel in the magic world of shadows learning about the performances and their history.”
Performing since the Second World War, Evgenios Spatharis’ collection gains a new kind of popularity in the Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens. In the museum, visitors may learn about the history of the material while also enjoying shows.
The Location of the Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens
The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens is located on 27 Mesogeion and Voriou Ipirou, 151 25, in Marousi. A nice experience for both adults and children alike, visiting the Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum is an underappreciated attraction of the Greek capital.
The Working Hours and The Pricing of The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens
The Spathario Shadow Theatre Museum of Athens is normally closed only on Saturdays. The museum is open on Sundays between 10 am and 1 pm. On Wednesdays, the working hours are between 9 am and 2 pm. After a four-hour break, the museum reopens at 6 pm and closes at 8 pm. The museum is open for the rest of the week between 9 am and 2 pm. The entrance to the museum is free.
Due to Covid-19, visitors planning to visit may want to receive information beforehand. The telephone numbers of the museum are (+30) 210 80 22 360, and (+30) 210 61 27 245.
