The Treasury

A Treasury for the Holy Diocese of Ioannina is created in the abandoned halls of the Monastery of Panaghia Theotokos on the island of Ioannina, with architectural interventions like the lift tower and engine room holistically conceived as to provide a functional and accessible exhibition space. The proposed scheme was brought to life in collaboration with the 8 th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. It is going far beyond the basic status of keeping safe -while allowing temporary use- of specific valuable ecclesiastical objects, introducing the ideas of collecting, preserving, conserving, researching and communicating to the public all the treasures that belong to the diocese.

Client

Holy Diocese of Ioannina

Timeframe

2007-2009 (up to tender preparation)

Location

Island of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina, Greece

Exhibition Footprint

480m2

Designing for spirituality and wealth

The exhibition design is minimal, allowing for the objects to “shine” within the emblematic stone rooms of the Monastery. The labyrinthine layout and the old stone walls are complemented by the dark wooden surfaces of the setworks, the rusty metal details and the heavy fabrics. The lighting is low and considered, calling for the silence and respect of the visitor, while the light halos created around the exhibits are setting the pace, singling out the most intriguing, valuable objects and leaving in the darkness the most common ones. Yet, all the treasures are there, to be seen, admired, or used.
E_XVII_6 (Custom)

Project Highlights

Images by

8th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, Natalia Karakosta