An Ark of Culture and History
In the famed Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages) of Chios, the medieval complex of settlements that has been preserved unchanged since the 14th century, the Chios Mastic Museum stands as a modern architectural landmark that functions as a real ark of tradition, dedicated to the "aromatic tears" of the world. Harmoniously integrated into its surroundings, the museum extends to 3,270 sq.m. within a lush mastic grove, offering an immersive experience to the visitor.
Tradition with the Recognition of UNESCO
The museum’s core mission is to highlight the productive history and traditional mastic cultivation, which in 2014 was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The exhibition emphasises the timeless nature of the product, which is still harvested and cleaned exclusively by hand, highlighting the sustainability and artistry of the land of Chios.
Exploring the History of the "Aromatic Tear"
The tour of the permanent exhibition begins with the acquaintance of Pistacia lentiscus Chia and its resin, which was officially recognised as a natural medicine in 2015. The first section reveals the traditional know-how, while the second analyses how mastic production shaped the distinctive agricultural and residential landscape of southern Chios. The third section focuses on cooperative exploitation and modern processing methods, which allows mastic to travel globally, from pharmacology to cosmetology.
An Experiential Encounter with Nature and Culture
The museum journey concludes in the open-air exhibition, where visitors come into direct contact with the natural environment of the plant. At the same time, the exhibition halls "Schinos" and "Kentitiri" host temporary exhibitions and educational programmes, keeping the bond between society and culture alive. The museum, being the result of a collaboration between the Piraeus Bank Group (PIOP), the Chios Masticha Growers Association and the state, is an essential stop for every traveller who wishes to understand the deep soul of Chios.
Tradition with the Recognition of UNESCO
The museum’s core mission is to highlight the productive history and traditional mastic cultivation, which in 2014 was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The exhibition emphasises the timeless nature of the product, which is still harvested and cleaned exclusively by hand, highlighting the sustainability and artistry of the land of Chios.
Exploring the History of the "Aromatic Tear"
The tour of the permanent exhibition begins with the acquaintance of Pistacia lentiscus Chia and its resin, which was officially recognised as a natural medicine in 2015. The first section reveals the traditional know-how, while the second analyses how mastic production shaped the distinctive agricultural and residential landscape of southern Chios. The third section focuses on cooperative exploitation and modern processing methods, which allows mastic to travel globally, from pharmacology to cosmetology.
An Experiential Encounter with Nature and Culture
The museum journey concludes in the open-air exhibition, where visitors come into direct contact with the natural environment of the plant. At the same time, the exhibition halls "Schinos" and "Kentitiri" host temporary exhibitions and educational programmes, keeping the bond between society and culture alive. The museum, being the result of a collaboration between the Piraeus Bank Group (PIOP), the Chios Masticha Growers Association and the state, is an essential stop for every traveller who wishes to understand the deep soul of Chios.
