Argenti Folklore Museum and Gallery - Koraes Library

The Argenti Folklore Museum and the Argenti Gallery at Koraes Central Public and Historical Library are basically the personal collections of Philip Pandely Argenti.

In 1932, Philip Argenti founded the “Argenti Association” in order to save and preserve folklore and historical material of Chios, through collections of historical artefacts, folklore costumes etc.

The “Ethnologic Museum” opened its doors in 1937, in a room of the Chios High School. Philip Argenti has enriched the collections since, via donations and new acquisitions.

Thus, the founder of the Folklore Museum decided to expand the Library's building, adding a second storey, in order to house the Folklore collection, as well as the collection of Chios paintings he had donated.

In 1962 the new rooms were opened. After Philip Argenti's passing in 1974, his son, Pandely Philip Argenti donated more books and paintings to the museum.

All the paintings that decorate the entrance of the Library, the stairs and the hallway depict events of Chios history, and were part of Philip P. Argenti's personal collection.

In the ground floor there are busts of the great benefactors of the library, Adamantios Koraes and Philip Argenti, coats of arms of Chiot families, Koraes's manuscripts and personal artefacts, medals, books and paintings. The folklore collection and the gallery are on the first floor.

Opening hours: Daily 08:00 – 15:00, Friday afternoon: 17:00 – 20:00, Saturday morning 09:00 – 14:00.

Admissions: 2€, 1€ for seniors, free entrance for pupils, students, teachers and people with disabilities.

Source: www.chios.gr