Greece’s Unemployed Will Be Allowed Free Entry To Museums

Residents in Greece that have a valid unemployment card will be entitled to visit all of the country’s museums free of charge, according to a recent announcement made by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

Mr. Samaras said that unemployed individuals will soon be allowed free entry to other Greek cultural venues as well.

“Why? Because culture is a source of pride for all Greeks… Everyone has a right to culture and no distinction is allowed and no exclusion is forgiven,” the PM said.

This initiative coincides with the Greek Culture Ministry’s plans for a series of interventions in the country’s museums in view of the new tourism season. These interventions include extended hours, upgrade of services a Wi-Fi network and mobile applications to enhance the visitor experience.

33 Greek museums & sites will be open until 8pm, seven days a week

In regards to extended hours, as of 1 April, 33 of the country’s most popular sites and museums will remain open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

The 33 sites selected to offer extended hours this season cover 95 percent of the most popular museums and  and include the Acropolis in Athens, Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, Knossos in Crete, Spinalonga in the Gulf of Elounda (north-eastern Crete), the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) and Akrotiri in Santorini.