Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, located in Sparta, belongs to the Museum Network of the Cultural Foundation of the Piraeus Bank Group. It is housed in the space of the old Electricity Company, the use of which was granted to the Foundation by the Municipality of Sparta. The project was integrated into the Regional Operational Programme of the Peloponnese and was funded by the 2nd and 3rd Community Support Frameworks.

On the upper floor of the Museum, the long history of the two goods (olive and olive oil) is presented, while their multifaceted significance for the Greek area is highlighted in fields such as economy, nutrition, health, religious customs, and folk traditions.

The outdoor exhibition refers to olive cultivation and oil extraction, while also presenting three olive presses, one from prehistoric times, one from ancient times, and one from Byzantine times, which are put into operation as part of educational activities and programs.

On the lower floor, the presentation of the evolution of olive press technology in Greece from the post-Byzantine period to the first half of the 20th century continues. Mechanisms that have been preserved or restored are exhibited, as well as large moving models, which help visitors understand the traditional techniques of olive oil production. The exhibition is accompanied by digital productions, while the museum also operates a cafeteria, a shop, and a multi-purpose hall.

The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil is the first of its kind in Greece. Utilizing the example of other Mediterranean countries, which have already highlighted their own production through various initiatives, both museum-related and otherwise, the museum seeks, among other things, to showcase the efforts made in Greece to preserve traditional technology and to highlight the timeless cultural role of the olive and olive oil.