Despot's Palace
in the Archaeological Site of Mystras

Ephorate of Antiquities of Laconia - Greek Ministry of Culture 

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2021-2022

ART DIRECTION

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WORKING GROUP    

Evangelia Pantou (Archaeologist, Head of Ephorate), Konstantina Douvi (Architect-Engineer, Head of Works and Studies Department), Danae Charalambous (Archaeologist, Head of Department of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Antiquities and Museums), Aggeliki Mexia (Archaeologist), Elia Vlachou (Archaeologist-Museologist), Spyros Nasainas (Architect-Exhibition Designer), Stamatina Maglara (Architect Engineer-Lighting Consultant), Dimitris Nastos (Digital Specialist), Ifigenia Dimitriou (Film Director-Architect)

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The Despote's Palace in the Archaeological Site of Mystras, is one of the few Byzantine palace complexes that are preserved until today and the unique in Greece. Apart from its outstanding architectural significance, it is a tangible testimony to the historical and cultural status in which it was created, preserving a clear imprint of the historical course of the last centuries of the declining Byzantine Empire.

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The suggested exhibition has an humancentered approach and focuses on the residents of the architectural complex for two centuries. Based on the fundamental principle of respect and protection of the monument, the interventions are targeted and completely reversible. The audiovisual productions are almost "intangible" (ie their equipment is not easily distinguishable) and aim to "bring the palace back to life”, to create visual perceptions, sounds, atmosphere, emotions and to expand the experience of the visit.

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Audiovisual productions will run through the entire narrative course of the exhibition and will follow a similar artistic "philosophy". Abstract animated silhouettes of protagonists of the era in combination with micro-narratives will be activated in various parts of the space. Visual projections (video mapping) in abstract white custom constructions, will create artistic animations.

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Sound productions will reproduce soundspaces, while interactive media (augmented reality) will represent the architecture of the throne hall, the characters of the inhabitants of the palace and their way of life. All the above elements - components of the exhibition, will lead the visitor to gain, in addition to information, an experiential experience.

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