The Museum of Democracy

The Museum of Democracy is housed in the old Primary School of Agios Efstratios, a building erected in the late 19th century thanks to the donation of the “Agios Efstratios” brotherhood in Egypt. Today it serves as a place of remembrance and learning for visitors. During the period of exiles on the island, the space acquired a new use; it was repaired and operated as an infirmary until 1962 (or 1968). In 2005, restoration began so it could host the Museum of Democracy and the collection assembled by the Directorate of Modern Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture. The exhibition is organized to narrate, on the one hand, the history of the building itself and, on the other, the island’s course as a place of exile, from the passing of the Idionymon to the abolition of political-prisoner camps. Exhibits include everyday objects of the exiles, tools, musical instruments and artworks, which depict not only the hardships of life but also the vibrant artistic creation of many of them.