The establishment of the Santorini Volcano Documentation and Information Center is entering its final phase, with funding of 1,330,520 secured through the 20212027 South Aegean program under the priority for development and upgrading of social infrastructure. The proposal was submitted by the Municipality of Thira, aiming to safeguard and highlight the islands geological identity.
The new center will be housed in the neoclassical community building of Exo Gonia, whose restoration was completed in 2018. The project envisions transforming the building into a modern geological museum with advanced audiovisual applications. Its content will focus on two main themes: the Minoan eruption and its historical legacy, and the creation of the Kameni islands, a popular destination linked to the ongoing geodynamic activity of the volcanic arc.
A key innovation of the museum is its strong educational focus. A seismic simulation platformthe first in the South Aegeanwill provide visitors with a realistic experience of earthquake vibrations, helping them understand the geophysical nature of Santorini.
The museum will serve as a hub for education, research, and culture, highlighting the islands enduring relationship with its volcano and strengthening the overall tourism narrative. The project has been developed with the contribution of experts from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Santorini Volcano Study and Monitoring Institute, ensuring that scientific documentation is effectively integrated with an engaging visitor experience within a contemporary museological framework.
