| Museum hours | March 1st – October 15th: 10:00 – 18:00 October 16th – February 28th: 10:00 – 17:00 Closed on: Tuesdays, January1st, Good Friday (until 12noon), (Greek Orthodox) Easter Sunday, May st, July 22nd (local patronal feast), August15th, December 25th and 26th. |
| Admission | Standard entrance fee:4€, Concessionary ticket:2€ Days of free admission:May8th (International Museum Day) -June5th (World Environment Day) -Last weekend in September (European Heritage Days) |
| Location | Locality of Rachi (Tepeki), in the Pyrgio region of the Municipality of Chios. |
| Telephone: | 2271072212 |
A Journey into Mastic Magic:
Deep in the southern villages of Chios, Greece, nestled amidst the “Mastichochoria” (meaning “mastic villages”), lies the Chios Mastic Museum. This region holds a unique distinction – it’s the only place in the Mediterranean where a special type of mastic tree, the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia (known locally as “skínos”), thrives. From this endemic variety comes “mastíha,” a precious resin with a rich history.
The museum serves as a treasure trove dedicated to mastic. It unveils the story of cultivating these trees and processing their resin, all within the context of Chios’ cultural landscape. The museum highlights the importance of this tradition by referencing UNESCO’s recognition of traditional mastic cultivation as an intangible cultural heritage.
What awaits you inside?
The museum’s permanent exhibit focuses on “mastíha” as a one-of-a-kind natural product.
- The Introduction: Here, you’ll learn about the mastic tree itself and its resin, “mastíha,” which gained recognition as a natural medicine in 2015.
- Cultivating Tradition: This section delves into the time-honored techniques passed down through generations for growing mastic trees.
- Shaping the Landscape: Discover how the management of mastic cultivation has historically influenced the agricultural lands and settlements of southern Chios, particularly the Mastichochoria villages.
- Modern Marvels: The final section explores the cooperative production and processing of “mastíha” in modern times, a significant chapter in Chios’ ongoing story. It also explains the diverse uses that have made “mastíha” sought-after worldwide.
Beyond the Walls: To complete your experience, step outside to the museum’s open-air exhibit. Here, you can connect with the “skínos” plant itself and witness its natural environment firsthand.
Enhancing Your Exploration:
The museum offers various tools to enrich your understanding:
- Multimedia applications
- Informative documentaries
- Detailed models
- Functional displays of original machinery
The “Skínos” hall serves as a multi-purpose space for temporary exhibits, cultural events, and presentations. Meanwhile, the smaller “Kentitíri” hall caters to educational programs.
