Lost Atlantis Museum in Megalochori, Santorini

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

By exploring this interactive museum, visitors can envision how Santorini, one of the proposed sites of Atlantis, and the ancient Minoan civilization may have inspired the mythical island`s inception. Atlantis is a legendary island surrounded by numerous theories about its actual existence. One such theory stems from Plato`s narrative Timaeus and Critias, where in his dialog Ancient Athens repels a naval attack from Atlantis, leading to Atlantis falling out of favor with the Gods and sinking into the Atlantic Ocean. This pseudo-historical tale embodies Plato`s ideal notion of a state, which he additionally wrote about in his work The Republic.

Aristotle, another influential thinker from ancient Greece and a student of Plato, believed that Plato had devised the island to teach his philosophical ideas. In Plato`s account, Poseidon’s son Atlas, who was the ancient Greek God of the sea, storms, and earthquakes, was appointed ruler of the island of Atlantis and the surrounding body of water was designated Atlantic Ocean in his honor.

The museum comprises several digital presentations arranged on 2 floors that enable visitors to explore and experience the destruction of Atlantis and gain understanding about its myth and connection to Santorini: the theater, with a 9D virtual movie experience that will allow visitors to relive the earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic eruption that ruined Atlantis; a talking hologram of Plato where visitors can pose questions, through a touchscreen, regarding his philosophy and the lost city of the past; a large replica of Atlantis with notepads situated around it enabling visitors to experience what day-to-day living may have resembled; a 3D holographic portrayal of the geological evolution from prehistoric eras until today, and a projection that permits visitors to experience what it would be like to observe molten lava beneath their feet.

Lost Atlantis Museum Hours and Information

Period: Closed for the winter time, usually mid-November until mid to late March.
Hours: Available daily from 10am to 7pm.
Website: lost-atlantis.com
Situation: Megalochori, Santorini 847 00
Telephone: +30 228 608 5076
Email: [email protected]
Admission Fee: General – €12. Ages 7-12 – €6. Under 6 years – free.
Parking: Ample parking available.

>Bus: The closest bus stop is Boutari Winery, about a 10-minute walk (700m) along a busy, mostly flat, main road.