THE EXHIBITION
Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades is the first-ever pan-Cycladic exhibition that presents history through the perspectives of Cycladic women, spanning from antiquity to the 19th century. Titled Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades, this exhibition is organized by the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Moreover, it will be hosted at the Stathatos Mansion and is set to travel to the newly renovated Archaeological Museum of Thera in Summer 2025.
The exhibition brings together an impressive collection of 180 unique masterpieces from nearly all the islands of the Cyclades, including Amorgos, Andros, Delos, Thera, Ios, Kea, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Serifos, Sikinos, Siphnos, Syros, Tinos, and Folegandros. Notably, these artifacts, dating from early prehistory to the birth of the Greek state, represent remarkable works that have rarely — or never — traveled outside the Cyclades or the Museum of Cycladic Art.
In addition, alongside the marble Cycladic figurines from the Early Cycladic period, the exhibition will showcase 135 items from the collections of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, the Canellopoulos Museum, the Epigraphic Museum of Athens, the Ephorate of Paleoanthropology and Speleology, as well as significant private collections.

Photo. Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art
THE INSTALLATION
This exhibition emphasizes the stories of women revealed through material evidence of Cycladic history. Specifically, it explores the roles of women and their standings in island societies. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will encounter “untold” stories presented through their narratives or through material remnants, which are often observed through men’s perspectives.
As a result, visitors will discover the multifaceted lives of Cycladic women in both public and private realms. This exploration addresses their social, political, religious, and familial roles. Furthermore, twelve thematic sections delve into their relationships with eroticism, death and mourning, and their participation in religious events. Additionally, the exhibition examines the violence and community-imposed restrictions they faced.
Moreover, the exhibition features a diverse array of artifacts, including statuettes, sculptures, vases, jewelry, coins, funerary stelae, inscriptions, frescoes, mosaics, engravings, manuscripts, and icons. These items effectively showcase material culture that ranges from prehistoric times to the post-Byzantine era.
Photo. Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art
Among the highlights are three exceptional works:
- The Colossal Kore of Thera, standing at 2.48 meters, is one of the few intact Archaic statues now on display for the first time in Greece.
- The famous fresco from Akrotiri in Santorini, depicting ‘Women in the Sanctuary,’ is nearly 4 meters long.
- The Hellenistic statue of Artemis Elaphebolos from Delos will be exhibited for the first time outside the island.
The exhibition Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades is part of a new series of archaeological exhibitions titled “Human Histories” at the Museum of Cycladic Art. In particular, this series aims to share stories about the lives, customs, and contributions of individuals, influencing perceptions and thoughts for future generations.
A Fresh Lens on History
Cycladic women historically exemplified the dynamic interplay between their unique landscape and societal roles. In fact, these courageous women participated in economic activities and served as benefactors to their communities. They also traveled to distant locales to fulfill their destinies amid the enchanting beauty of the Cycladic Archipelago, exploring their relationships with the divine and often becoming revered figures.
In this context, this exhibition answers a vital question: Why focus on women from the Cyclades? The island complex offers a rich array of resources that highlight women’s diverse roles in local societies. Consequently, this exhibition is a concerted effort to present their stories through a continuous and accessible exploration of archaeological, historical, and ethnological evidence, aimed at the general public.
By centering the Cycladic woman in this narrative, the exhibition showcases her ability to recount the islands’ history from a uniquely feminine perspective. Additionally, it reveals both the similarities and differences in women’s roles over time. These women were deified in prehistory, emerging as dominant expressions of the divine. While they were marginalized during earlier historical periods, they regained prominence in the Hellenistic and Roman eras. The narrative follows the journeys of women who sought happiness or faced their destinies in the Cyclades, connecting with the goddesses and saints of island religions that offered solace and healing.
Ultimately, the exhibition demonstrates how women transformed from being worshiped as goddesses of nature and motherhood into protectors of the sea and sailors. Furthermore, it recognizes those remarkable women who influenced the modern Greek state and played significant roles in the Revolution.
Exhibition Sections
The exhibition is organized into twelve thematic sections:
- Juggling Between Genders
- The Origin of the World
- Goddesses of the Islands
- Female Apotropaic Figures
- In the Sanctuaries
- Goddesses of the Sea
- Female Identities
- From the Oikoumene to the Archipelago
- Eroticism
- Violence
- Death Through Their Own Eyes
- Faces
Plan Your Visit
- Temporary Archaeological Exhibition: Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades
- Dates: December 12, 2024 – May 4, 2025
- Venue: Stathatos Mansion – Museum of Cycladic Art
- Address: Vasilissis Sofias Ave. & 1 Irodotou Str., Athens
Tickets
Book your tickets here.
The Kykladitisses exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the untold stories of Cycladic women, while simultaneously celebrating their remarkable contributions and shedding light on their significant roles in shaping both local and broader histories. Moreover, this is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Cyclades and to recognize the essential narratives that women have woven into the fabric of this vibrant archipelago.