DESIGN BY JORDI & KELLER ARCHITECTS © 2011

www.jordi-keller.de

As the historical island of Aphrodite's birth, as well as once being the home to the holiest temple dedicated to her, Kythera is the natural place to host the first ever Museum to Aphrodite. In addition to other exhibition wings dedicated to Kythera's history and flora and fauna, the Kythera Aphrodite Museum could feature a lush central court-yard displaying various sculptures and installations with an Aphrodite theme, as well as an academic facility with workshops and accommodation for visiting researchers working on Kytherian projects.

This would be a world-class collection of historical, mythical and contemporary exhibition spaces interpreting local culture and folk art, religion, migration and natural history. A special wing and sculpture garden would be dedicated to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. The inclusion of educational facilities, student accommodation and extensive library resources would position the complex as an important new research and learning centre.

A committed group of academics, media and educational professionals, designers, engineers, cultural tourism planners, and project managers are working together to escort the project to completion and beyond. This collaborative approach and the combined knowledge and experience of history, archaeology, social anthropology, geo-physics and cultural tourism would deliver best practice in museum design and experience to engage diverse audiences and age groups.

The Architecture

The Berlin-based Jordi-Keller Architects specialise in designing energy-efficient buildings which are sympathetic to the landscape and the architectural history of the region. The intent of this design is to encourage interest, education and contemplation by creating a sense of the past – an historical oasis – in an harmonious series of buildings created in the island vernacular.

The Site

A number of sites are being considered, the main features to include a ‘sense of place’ and breathtaking views of the ancient centres of Paliopoli and Paliokastro; a location in context with the island’s history and culture.

1. History of Kythera

This wing of the Museum complex would present the stories of Kythera from Neolithic to the present, through Minoan, Classical, Early Christian and Byzantine eras as well as periods of occupation by the Venetian, French, and English. The Island’s story, sometimes tragic, always interesting, would be related in visually exciting maps, projections, film and traditional exhibits.

3. Migration and Family Research Centre

Migration is an integral part of Kytherian history: to Smyrna, Alexandria, the US and Australia. This important wing would explore the reasons behind the exodus from Kythera, and the often adventurous journeys to close and distant lands. Migrant’s lives would be showcased through oral histories, documentaries and photographic representations.

2. Wing to ‘Heavenly Aphrodite’

Kythera’s local mythological goddess Aphrodite is perhaps the most popular of all the ancient dieties. Using historical references, examples from the art world, as well as physical exhibits and new media displays, this unique Museum would show the important role she has played from ancient to modern times.

4. Kytherian Religous History

This section would provide an overview of the history and the architecture of religion on Kythera. It would cover archaic belief, classical Greek religion, the arrival of Christianity, pilgrimage, monastic life and the local churches. The permanent and changing exhibitions would draw upon private collections and academic research for inspiration. Opportunities to explore Kytherian churches would be linked to this display.

5. Folk Arts and Crafts

To celebrate the local arts and crafts, an extensive collection of Kytherian handicrafts including pottery, costumes, woodcarving, embroidery, weaving, tool- making and the visual arts would be displayed in tribute to the talented craftspeople involved in these activities which were once a normal part of everyday life on the island.

7. Library of Kytherian and Aphrodite Material

The Library would provide an important repository for many of the thousands of books, articles, academic papers, photographic and film material about Kythera and Aphrodite, allowing researchers and visitors access to

– the most comprehensive array of material available – Island records from Venetian and British sources

– vintage map material from the past 500 years

– recordings of local musicians and singers.

The library would be accessible both physically and virtually through an online portal.

6. Natural History

Kythera is a wonderland of nature and geology. Located on a major geological fault, the rugged landscape of the Island bears the scars from the full force of earthquakes and tsunamis. A collection of fossils, local flora, images and skeletal remains of fauna, and geological samples would depict the rich natural history of Kythera.

8. Aphrodite Sculpture Garden

Many of the world’s greatest museums house priceless depictions of Aphrodite. Most famous among them are the ‘Venus de Milo’ on display at the Louvre in Paris, the ‘Aphrodite Kallipygos’ in the National Archeological Museum in Naples, and the ‘Venus de ’Medici’ in the Uffizi in Florence. The Sculpture Garden would feature quality reproductions of these famous works of art, as well as contemporary original works to be commissioned for the Museum from Kytherian and other prominent artists.

www.jordi-keller.de