Greek Museums at a Crossroads: Continuity and Change

Abstract

These are critical times for the Greek museum world. In recent years, the expansion and renovation of the existing museums has been accompanied by the establishment and creation of new cultural complexes due to funding.The present article will attempt to shed light on the factors that have critically influenced the museum landscape and, at the same time, set the framework for future initiatives and advancements in state archaeological museums. The first issue put under examination is the shortcomings of an outdated and rigid administrative system that does not allow for innovative approaches to museum management.The second is the severe and long‐lasting effects of the 2008 economic crisis, which have accentuated the dichotomy between the planning and implementation of costly new projects and the day‐to‐day operation of museums under a restricted budget. Clearly, the aforementioned imbalance results in a gap between cultural investments and the available economic resources, which nurture questions not only on the economic level, but also the social sustainability of the designed projects.The striking transformations in the country's social structure call for an innovative and realistic approach to social inclusion and outreach policies. Furthermore, the gigantic wave of migration has shaken the financial, social, and cultural core of Greece, and an assessment of the ways in which archaeological museums responded to this call is essential. How can museum policies safeguard the protection of cultural heritage and, furthermore, fulfil their commitment to communicate it to the public? How do continuity and change coexist in the museum agenda to ensure resilience and sustainability?