Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum Review

Housing the creations of internationally renowned artist-jeweler Ilias Lalaounis, this private foundation also operates as an international center for the study of decorative arts. The fifty collections include 4,000 pieces inspired by subjects as diverse as the Treasure of Priam to the wildflowers of Greece; many of the works are eye-catching, especially the massive necklaces evoking the Minoan and Byzantine periods. Besides the well-made videos that explain jewelry making, craftspeople in the workshop demonstrate ancient and modern techniques, such as chain weaving and hammering. During the academic year the museum can arrange educational programs in English for groups of children. The founder also has several stores in Athens. The museum has a calendar of fascinating temporary exhibitions, usually focusing on the relation between Greek and jewelry.