Spathario Museum
The Spathario Museum of Shadow Theatre in Maroussi is dedicated to the art of Greek shadow theatre and especially to Karagiozis, the beloved folk hero of Greek popular culture.
The museum was created through the long and dedicated efforts of the famous shadow theatre artist Eugenios Spatharis in collaboration with the Municipality of Maroussi, with the shared vision of giving Karagiozis a permanent home.
The museum was officially founded in 1991 and opened to the public in 1995. Since 1996, it has operated systematically with organized guided tours and educational programs for both children and adults. Since 2000, the museum has also organized the annual “Spathareia” Shadow Theatre Festival, featuring important shadow theatre performers from Greece and abroad.
The museum’s mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Greek shadow theatre as an important part of the country’s folk cultural heritage. Visitors can explore shadow puppets, stage sets, posters, and artworks created by Eugenios Spatharis through colorful and lively exhibitions that highlight the humor, imagination, and wisdom of Karagiozis.
A special place in the museum is dedicated to Sotiris Spatharis and his son Eugenios Spatharis. Sotiris Spatharis was an important folk artist and writer, known for his famous memoirs, while Eugenios Spatharis is considered the most significant modernizer of Greek shadow theatre, successfully combining tradition with painting and contemporary artistic expression.
The museum also presents the history and evolution of shadow theatre from the East to Greece, emphasizing its strong connection to folk tradition and Greek cultural identity. Through its exhibitions, educational activities, and cultural events, the Spathario Museum keeps alive a unique form of traditional art that continues to inspire both children and adults.
