Explore the history of the Environment Museum of Stymphalia. Discover the educational programs and Lake Stymphalia here!
The Environment Museum of Stymphalia, whose aim is to show the interdependence of Mankind and Nature, focuses on their harmonious coexistence in the Stymphalia basin.
Its objective is to raise the public's ecological awareness and preserve the knowledge of the region's traditional technology.
History
The Environment Museum of Stymphalia opened to the public in 2010. It belongs to Municipality of Sikyon and operates under the responsibility of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, which is also responsible for its continued functioning for a period of fifty years since its establishment.
The former Municipality of Stymphalia (today's Municipality of Sikyon) and the Forestry Department of Corinth conceded a plot of land in the mountainous part of the Korinthia prefecture, with the objective of an Environment Museum being built on it. The project was included in the 2000-2006 Regional Operational Programme of the Peloponnese and was financed by the Third Community Support Framework, with the contribution of the Piraeus Bank Group.
The Museum's building was designed so as to take advantage of the local climate's positive elements, such as the fresh breezes for its natural cooling and solar energy for the winter months.
The basic element of its design was, also, the uninhibited view towards the lake. The Museum juts out from the sloping land, vigorously stating its presence.
In 2008, the building was awarded a Special Mention in the Architecture Awards of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture. It has also been included in The Phaedon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture.
The Museum was created in the framework of the regional Operational Programme of the Peloponnese 2000-2006. The Programme was 80% funded by the European Union and 20% by national funds.
What is on display?
The Environment Museum of Stymphalia is located on the slope of one of the verdant hills surrounding Lake Stymphalia where, according to mythology, Hercules confronted and slew the Stymphalian birds. The first module of the Environment Museum of Stymphalia provides information on the region's environment and its importance. Stymphalia belongs to the European Network of Protected Areas NATURA 2000. Lake Stymphalia and Mount Zireia are of great ecological value. They communicate through underground, as well as visible water routes, defining the aquatic basin of Stymphalia, the largest mountain lake of the Peloponnese. It also constitutes the southernmost mountain wetland of the Balkans, with rich flora and fauna.
In the second module, you will discover how the region's environment influenced the development of human activity, and in particular that of traditional professions. In order to better understand the history, folklore and life in Stymphalia through the ages, the Museum is endowed with:
-Pictorial representations concerning the objects' use.
-Abundant audiovisual material of an educational nature.
-Models.
-Original digital representations.
-Documentation films.
In the Museum's interior you have access to what, in Greece, is a unique exhibit: an open aquarium representing a cross-section of the lake, with live fish and plants of the region!
Of interest to children
Young visitors will enjoy getting into the rowing boat to see plants and fish of this wetland, which can be seen in the lake's cross-section in the Museum's interior. In parallel, they have the opportunity to see original models. Furthermore, the Museum's digital representations bring to life how the people lived in harmony with Nature, for thousands of years, around Lake Stymphalia.
The Museum organizes educational programmes with games and activities, for schools and group visits, such as the programme “Secret games, in the lake's waters”.
Satellite imagery of Lake Stymphalia
In the context of the project Life-Stymfalia that was funded by the European Union, PIOP has developed the digital application Satellite imagery of Lake Stymphalia, available online but also installed in the premises of the Environment Museum of Stymphalia. Visitors can study satellite images, in real time as well as from previous years or even decades, to see how the physical landscape of Lake Stymphalia has been changing over time and the strains that the natural environment of the surrounding area has sustained.
The application depicts the evolution of the physical environment in the area from 1972 down to the most recent satellite image. Users can select from among three functions, “Ordinary”, “Composite” and “Comparison”, offering different options of depicting the satellite images and the parameters of Lake Stymphalia.
The Museum’s educational pack and educational programmes are available only in Greek language.
Free admission:
You can purchase your ticket for the Museum online here
The Museum has free Wi-Fi.
To arrange a school visit, you can contact the Museum at the phone number 27470 22296
For group visits you can contact the Museum at the phone number 27470 22296
The Museum has a cafeteria.
The Museum has a shop where you will find a rich collection of objects designed exclusively for PIOP, inspired by the themes of the Museums.
In the MUSEUMSHOP you will also find the Foundation's publications.
You can shop not only during your visit to the Museum but also throughout the year from our e-shop.
Amateur photography or video filming is permitted. Professional photography or filming and the publication of the material in printed, electronic and digital media is only permitted with special permission from PIOP.
The Museum has a free parking lot.
The Museum is accessible to people with disabilities and has:
Pets are not allowed in the Museum. Only guide dogs are allowed access.
The following categories of visitors pay a reduced entrance fee on presenting valid ID proof:
Free admission for the following categories of visitors, on presenting the relevant valid ID proof:
Lift and WC for disabled persons
Lending wheelchair
Free access to guide dogs
Museum brochure in Braille, in Greek and English
