Folklore Museum, Mykonos

Housed in an 18th-century sea captain’s residence, the Folklore Museum of Mykonos offers an immersive journey into the island’s cultural past. Since opening in 1958, it has collected and preserved a vast range of traditional items-from handcrafted embroidery and antique furniture to everyday household tools, musical instruments, and religious offerings. The museum recreates domestic life with a 19th-century bedroom and kitchen, while rare textiles, ceramics, oil lamps, and vintage keys fill its intimate rooms. Each object tells a story of how Mykonians once lived, worked, and celebrated, bridging centuries in the span of a single visit.

One room is dedicated entirely to Mykonos’s deep connection with the sea, featuring nautical tools, ship models, old maps, and maritime memorabilia-including a legendary well linked to pirate lore.

Another space honors local artists and prominent historical figures, with paintings, portraits, and even a replica of an armchair belonging to war hero Captain Nicholas Sourmelis. Between the fine etchings of old vessels, Venetian cabinets, and Cycladic stone sculptures, visitors can discover unexpected details of island life. Modest in scale but rich in atmosphere, the museum even includes a quiet courtyard-an ideal pause before heading back into the bustle of town.

It may not shout for attention, but for those curious about the real Mykonos behind the whitewashed walls, this museum speaks volumes.