Voyage, Seafaring and Shipbuilding in Greece from Antiquity to Modern Times

The travelling exhibition includes 20 handmade models coming from a collection of over 150.

Each model is constructed after extensive research and paying attention to every detail, even to the wood used during each historic period.

The history of navigation in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas is a fascinating narrative of sea voyages, shipbuilding accomplishments, dissemination of ideas and technological development. This exhibition is a presentation of the history of shipbuilding and seafaring, from antiquity to modern times and is presented through 35 beautifully handmade and historically accurate ship models.

The models were constructed by Mr. Dimitris Maras, M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and model shipbuilder who turned his hobby into a full-time passion. He has studied the naval architectural history of the Greek world, searching old records for details about both the designs and the methods of construction. His model vessels, all hand made in the wood used during each historical period, vary in size from 1 ½ ft. to 6 ft. and are exact replicas to the smallest detail. Mr. Maras’ attention to detail extends even to the parts of his ships that are hidden to the viewer. The size and exceptional quality of these models help the viewer to better understand the evolution of shipbuilding among the people of the Mediterranean, from antiquity to the mid-20th century, through an imaginary voyage in time.

EXHIBITION MATERIALS

High resolution images, captions, wall texts.

DISPLAY 

140 linear meters (420 linear feet).

CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLECTION

• Each vessel is securely mounted to a custom built wooden base which is covered by a Plexiglas cover for protection. The stands or tables which the enclosed models will sit on are not included and are the responsibility of the borrowing museum. Dimensions to be provided.
• Geographic location: Southern Europe.
• Collection includes the necessary international shipping crates and packing materials ensuring safe ‘nail to nail” transport.
• Museum curators are provided with extensive information and may curate the exhibition to their specifications.
• Collection may be expanded or complemented with art from the borrowing museum’s own collections.
• Collection provides endless opportunities for the development of educational programs, which we can assist with.