Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades

From December 12, 2024, until May 4, 2025, visitors in Athens have the unique opportunity to experience a groundbreaking exhibition that sheds light on Cycladic history through the lens of its women. “Kykladitisses: Untold Stories of Women in the Cyclades” is the first pan-Cycladic exhibition ever organized, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture’s Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and the Museum of Cycladic Art.

A First-of-Its-Kind Tribute to Cycladic Women

This extraordinary exhibition unites 180 unique masterpieces from almost all the Cycladic islands, including Amorgos, Andros, Delos, Santorini, Ios, Kea, Kythnos, MIlos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, and Folegandros. The exhibits span early prehistory to the 19th century and the emergence of the Greek state. For the first time, these works offer a female-centered narrative of Cycladic history, presenting their lives, identities, and influence on society over the centuries.

Many of the artefacts showcased have never traveled outside the Cyclades or beyond the walls of the Museum of Cycladic Art. Some are being revealed to the public for the very first time, adding to the exhibition’s exclusivity and allure.

Alongside the marble Cycladic figurines of the Early Cycladic period from the Museum of Cycladic Art, 135 exhibits from the collections of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and artefacts from the Canellopoulos Museum, the Epigraphic Museum of Athens, the Ephorate of Paleoanthropology and Speleology and important private collections are on display.

The exhibition is structured around the following 12 sections: Juggling between two genders, The origin of the world, Goddesses of the islands, Female apotropaic figures, In the sanctuaries, Goddesses of the sea, Women’s identities, From the Oikoumene to the Archipelago, Eroticism, Violence, Death through their own eyes and Faces.

If Santorini Isn’t in Your Winter Plans

Even if a trip to Santorini isn’t on your schedule this winter, visiting Athens offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with the island’s rich history. Among the highlights of the exhibition are two masterpieces from Santorini: the fresco of women from the “adyton” of Building Xeste 3 in Akrotiri and the colossal marble statue of a Kore from Thera. These remarkable artefacts bring to life the artistic and cultural heritage of the island and are a must-see for anyone with a passion for Santorini.

From Athens to Santorini: A Second Chance to Experience Kykladitisses

For those who cannot make it to Athens, there is exciting news. Starting in June 2025, this remarkable exhibition will inaugurate the renovated Archaeological Museum of Thera (Santorini). As the museum’s first major event, it will serve as a tribute to the Cyclades themselves.

A Vision for Cycladic Culture

“Kykladitisses” is not only an exhibition but also a testament to the collaboration and shared vision between the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Their partnership, formalized in May 2024, aims to study, promote, and celebrate Cycladic culture both in Greece and internationally.

Photo: The Kore of Thera dominates the entrance of the exhibition – Photo by Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art.