€1.31 million project approved for virtual museum tours in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

A €1.31 million cultural digitization project has been approved in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), aiming to introduce virtual and immersive tours across key museums in the region. The project was officially included in the “Eastern Macedonia, Thrace” 2021–2027 Program following a decision by Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis.

Titled “Virtual Tours Using Immersive Technologies in the Museums of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace,” the initiative is part of the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) “Cultural–Tourism Route of the Egnatia Road.” The total approved budget amounts to €1,311,360, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Building a Digital Network of Museums

The project will be implemented by the Directorate for the Management of the National Archive of Monuments, with the primary objective of creating a modern, interconnected digital museum network. Through interactive web-based platforms and immersive technologies, the initiative seeks to enhance visitor experience while strengthening the region’s cultural identity and digital presence.

Museums Included in the Project

The digital upgrade will cover museums located in:

• Dedeağaç
• Dimetoka
• Samothrace
• Gümülcine
• Bulustra
• Drama
• Philippi
• Thasos
• Archaeological Collection of Maroneia
• Ethnological Museum of Thrace
• Historical and Ethnological Museum of the Greeks of Cappadocia (Nea Karvali)

Notably, no museum from the regional unit of İskeçe is included in the current phase of the project.

Linking Museums with Archaeological Sites

This approach aims to reconnect exhibits with their original locations, offering visitors a holistic and context-rich cultural experience.

Multilingual Access and International Outreach

All digital applications will be available in five languages—Greek, English, French, Bulgarian, and Turkish—significantly improving accessibility and international outreach. The project is expected to boost cultural tourism, enhance cross-border visibility, and enrich the National Archive of Monuments with newly developed digital content.

Regional Governor’s Statement

Commenting on the approval, Governor Christodoulos Topsidis stated:

“We are investing in culture by leveraging the power of digital technology. We are creating a modern, open, and accessible cultural route that connects our museums with their history and place, strengthening tourism development and the outward-looking character of our region.”