Tactual Museum
The Vision
In 1983, the president of the Lighthouse for the Blind, Protopapadaki L. and the managing director Kefakis Manolis,
were looking for a way that would give visually impaired people the opportunity to come in touch with
ancient greek Culture.
The first artefacts were bought by Lighthouse, followed by several donations by suppporting organizations and others. At the
same time it was realized that the ability to touch and feel the exhibits was an excellent new way of approaching
the ancient greek civilization not only for blind but for sighted people, too.
History of the Museum
Tactual Museum was founded in 1984, and housed on a two-floor neo-classical building, on Doiranis Street 198, Kallithea,
donated by Empeirikos to the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece.
After a 3-year period of enforced closure due to the earthquake of 1999, it opened again in 2004 following
subsidies and sponsorship from the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity and
the American Friends of the Blind in Greece Organization, based in Massachusetts, USA.
Reopening of the Museum
The Tactual Museum was officially re-opened by the President of the Repuplic, Mr
Konstandinos Stefanopoulos, on the 19th of March 2004.
Commendations
In 1988 the museum was choosen 70 other european museums to receive the "Museum of the year" Award
In 2004, it also won an award from the Greek Union of Friends of Museums for the realization
of its accessibility program
Difference
It is one of 4-5 Museums of its kind in the world. The main difference between the Tactual Museum and other Museums is the opportunity for all visitors to touch all the Exhibits that are copies of the originals displayed in other museums of our country.
Operation
The Tactual Museum belongs to the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece.
Mrs Geroulanou Zoe, member of LightHouse's Board of Directors and mrs Asideri Dimitra, manager of Lighthouse for the Blind,
are in charge of the developement, operation and promotion of the Museum.
Information
Address
Doiranis 198
Kallithea, 176 73
ิel.: (+30210) 941 5222
Fax: (+30210) 941 5271
e-mail:
Visitors' entrance via
Lighthouse for The Blind of Greece
Athinas 17, Kallithea, 176 73
Operation Hours
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 14:00
- Saturday - Sunday: After Booking
Entrance
- 2 € [Euro]
- Free entrance for handicapped individuals and their escorts
Mobility problems 
The Museum is accessible to people with mobility problems.
Access to the second floor by use of stair elevator.
[see Handicapped individuals]