The Archaeological Museum of Arta, a modern cultural space dedicated to ancient Ambracia and its long historical course, is located in the heart of the city of Arta, near the historic Bridge of Arta and the Arachthos River.
The museum highlights the archaeological and cultural heritage of the region with scientific accuracy and modern aesthetics, attracting visitors, travelers, students, and scholars of archaeology.
It was founded as an Archaeological Collection in 1973 and was initially housed in the Refectory of the Panagia Parigoritissa Monastery. The need to create a new museum space arose from the wealth of finds uncovered in rescue and systematic excavations of the 20th century.
Thus, in the autumn of 2009, the new Archaeological Museum of Arta was inaugurated at the location "Trigono," next to the bridge and the Arachthos river, with excellent museological organization and modern infrastructure.
The historical course of ancient Ambracia, founded in the 7th century B.C. by Corinthian colonists, constitutes the axis of the exhibition. The selection of the museum's location, near the river and the core of the old colony, underlines the importance of the region as a commercial and political center of Epirus.
The exhibition presents the evolution of the city from its foundation to the Roman years, offering the visitor a complete picture of life in Ambracia.
The permanent exhibition is organized into three main sections: "The Public Life," "The Cemeteries," and "The Private Life," which correspond to the chapters "Ta en Dimo," "Ta en Tafo," and "Ta en Oiko."
The visitor learns about the political organization, public construction activity, economy, worship, and also the daily life of the inhabitants through finds from the ancient cemeteries, houses, and workshops of Ambracia.
The museum's collection covers a wide chronological spectrum, from prehistoric to Roman times, with an emphasis on the Hellenistic period, when Ambracia was the capital of the Epirote State.
Vessels, figurines, coins, weapons, jewelry, bronze and stone objects, funerary stelae, architectural members, and sculptural works are exhibited. A total of approximately 1,687 exhibits are presented, representative of the ancient city's prime.
The Archaeological Museum of Arta offers easy access and a comfortable tour, combining scientific documentation and cultural interest. It highlights the daily life, public life, and culture of an important ancient center of Epirus.
In 2024, it was certified as a Certified Museum, enhancing its prestige and significance for the cultural tourism of Arta.
