Exhibition “Echoes of Theraic Folklore”, at the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”

The Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos” and the Santorini Arts Factory, under the auspices of the Municipality of Thira, present the temporary exhibition: “Echoes of Theraic Folklore” as part of the “Year for the Promotion & Support of Authenticity.”

The exhibition is made possible through the generous contribution of exhibits from the collection of the  Folklore Museum of Santorini Emm. A. Lignos, as well as the support of private lenders and friends of the museum who shared valuable material.

This exhibition is an invitation to explore the local identity, collective memory, and intangible cultural heritage of Thira. Through rare authentic objects, traditional tools, and historical artifacts, it highlights the everyday life and professions of the island—such as those of the farmer, fisherman, cooper, and many others.

The exhibition sheds light not only on the productive life of the local community but also on the deeper relationship between the people and their land—nature, creativity, and the art of managing daily life.

The visitor experience is enriched with additional digital information, audio recordings, and traditional songs, alongside a wealth of archival material: old newspapers, clippings, and firsthand accounts from the era.

A special part of the exhibition is dedicated to the work of Manolis Lignos – the man who devoted his life to the study and preservation of  the folklore of Santorini . Through archival materials and dedicated sections, his invaluable contribution is honored, while the enduring role of the Santorini Folklore Museum “Emm. A. Lignos” is highlighted as a guardian of the island’s collective memory.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, a series of parallel events will take place, including a traditional basket-weaving workshop and other themed activities. The museum café and gift shop will remain open, enhancing the visitor experience within the authentic industrial setting of the historic Vlychada factory.

In the Heart of Santorini: A Journey Through Tradition and Memory

At the crossroads of history and heritage, the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos” joins forces with the Folklore Museum of Santorini, founded by Emmanuel Lignos, to present a unique cultural exhibition celebrating the island’s authenticity, tradition, and enduring spirit.

This carefully curated exhibition features original folkloric artifacts, generously contributed by local collectors and friends of the museum. Through the creative sharing of items, tools, professional artifacts, and machinery from the folklore collection, a vivid dialogue unfolds a conversation between past and present. The rhythms of everyday life, agricultural practices, customs, and celebrations of Santorini are brought into conversation with the island’s tomato industry, showcasing a deep-rooted relationship between the people and their volcanic homeland. Each object, each oral testimony, tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community, of how generations transformed a barren land into a thriving cultural and agricultural landscape.

This exhibition is more than a tribute to a bygone era. It is a testament to continuity. The past becomes a foundation for the future, an enduring source of inspiration for sustainable development, local innovation, and cultural renewal. In a world shaped by globalization and rapid change, Santorini’s authenticity offers a powerful reminder of the importance of memory, identity, and belonging.

With reverence for history and a vision for tomorrow, this exhibition invites visitors to experience the timeless strength of local culture — not as mere nostalgia, but as a living force for creativity, understanding, and connection.

ΕCHOES OF SANTORINIAN FOLKLORE

Exhibition Curator & Design
Vani Vallianou Nomikos

Partner Museum
Folklore Museum of Santorini  “Emm. A. Lignos”

Object Lenders
Antonis Valvis, Paraskevas Karras, Giorgos Karras, Vaggelis Chalaris, Alexandros Fytros

Organized by
Team of the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”
Fotini Papadopoulou, Konstantina Kokkinou, Maria Karras, Iosif Perros, Tassos Karvelas, Vera Kolokouri

Technical Support
Simon Sotiri, Zhuljeta Sotiri

Special Thanks to
Tasos Melichourtis, Georgia Lignou, Vassilis Peppas, Stergios Massas, Giannis Massas, Christoforos Zorzos, Kalamia Zorzou

Exhibiton Opening:

Sunday, June 15, 2025 | 7:30 PM

🔹 Exhibition Duration:
June 15 – August 15, 2025

🔹 Location:
Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”, Vlychada, Santorini

🔹 Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Closed on Mondays)

🔹 Admission: Free Entry

🔹 Contact Information:
For further information, please contact the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”
☎️ +30 22860 85141 – 📧 info@tomatomuseum.gr