Samos, Blick auf die Ebene von Chora, dem antiken Siedlungszentrum mit dem Heraion von Sa-mos im Vordergrund. Im Hintergrund die Meerenge von Samos, durch die in der Antike die Hauptseeroute von Ägypten zum Schwarzmeerraum verlief © DAI-Athen // Jan-Marc Henke
Bridging Cultures
Samos, Heraion, Bergung des Torsos des monumentalen Kouros des Isches 1981 © DAI Athen/Hellenic Ministry of Culture // Helmut Kyrieleis
100 YEARS OF GREEK-GERMAN ARCHAEOLOGY ON SAMOS
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of archaeological research conducted by the German Archaeological Institute on Samos, the photographic exhibition “Bridging Cultures” opens its doors. Rather than focusing on the history of the Institute itself, the exhibition showcases the archaeological discoveries made over a century of research – highlighting the exceptional role of Samos as a cultural crossroads in the ancient Mediterranean world. The exhibits reveal just how deeply ancient society interacted with external influences – an exchange that promoted cultural change, technological innovation, and social progress.
Samos, Heraion, Ausgrabungen von 1958 unter Leitung von Ernst Buschor vor der Ostfront des monumentalen Tempels (Dipteros II) © (D-DAI-ATH-Samos-4079 ) DAI Athen // Eva-Maria Czakó, 1959
“Bridging Cultures” stands for cross-border dialogue, openness, and building bridges between cultures. The exhibition demonstrates that exchange was already a driving force behind societal and technological developments in antiquity. The archaeological finds bring to light how Samian society actively engaged with outside influences – a dynamic interplay between the foreign and the familiar which still serves as a powerful symbol of successful intercultural dialogue today. Visitors are invited to explore, through archaeological insights and across cultural and historical boundaries, just how essential the transfer of cultural knowledge has always been to the formation of societies – then as now.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition stands as a sign of the Institute’s close ties to Greece, the local authorities, and the people of Samos, in gratitude for their longstanding trust and collaboration. With this cultural contribution, the DAI Athens wishes to express its deep appreciation. “Bridging Cultures” honors the cultural heritage of Samos, sheds new light on the island’s past, and raises awareness of its historical significance for locals and visitors alike.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Schwarz Foundation and with the support of the Greek Ministry of Culture, represented by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Samos and Ikaria. It is designed for both experts and interested laypeople. Through explanatory texts, historical images, maps, interactive media, and 3D models, the exhibition offers an engaging and vivid introduction to the history of Samos.
Opening hours
Duration: July 4 to September 15, 2025
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. to midnight
Location: Art Space Pythagorion | Pythagoreio 831 03 | Griechenland
Inside the Exhibition
Exhibition poster
Samos, Ebene von Chora, Blick auf die archäologische Stätte des Heraion © DAI-Athen/Hellenic Ministry of Culture // Stefan Biernath