OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME “CENTRAL MACEDONIA 2014–2020”

The project “The Digital Museum of Byzantine Culture: from image to experience. Actions to upgrade interaction and visitor experience at the Museum of Byzantine Culture”, with code OPS 5029874, was implemented under the Operational Programme “Central Macedonia 2014–2020”, co-financed by Greece and the European Union.

The overarching goal of all completed actions, beyond increasing visitor numbers and creating a digital repository of long-term value for both scholars and the general public, is to establish the Museum of Byzantine Culture as a permanent global attraction, fully attuned to contemporary needs for learning and leisure.

The aim is for the Museum to fulfill its social role in an outward-looking and enjoyable way, aligned with the digital age and present-day realities.

The Museum of Byzantine Culture carried out this project from 2020 to 2022, recognizing the need to broaden its audience as a modern museum institution. The project was financed with euros and executed through a competitive tendering process.

To implement the offered actions, the Museum and the Contractor undertook:

• Large-scale text production
• Photographic and video documentation
• Development of 3D models
• Creation of a digital repository
• Installation of a local wireless network across all museum areas (reception area, 11 permanent exhibition halls, multi-purpose room, temporary exhibitions wing, auditorium, museum shop)

As a result, the Museum of Byzantine Culture now offers:

• Audio guide application using portable devices for visitors of all abilities, available in 11 languages: Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Hebrew, Turkish, and Chinese
• Audio guide application for the visually impaired, using certified portable devices
• Tour guide application for the hearing impaired in Greek Sign Language
• Multilingual mobile tour app for visitors’ own devices (Android & iOS)
• Virtual visit application for selected exhibits using AR technology (Android & iOS mobile devices)
• Special signage in the museum and on exhibits corresponding to the audio tours (numerical markings and QR codes)
• A redesigned and upgraded website, optimized for mobile devices and tablets
• Interactive educational games for youth, developed in Greek and English
• Short and concise educational videos

A local wireless network is now available throughout the museum (reception, all exhibition areas, auditorium, shop, etc.).

IMPLEMENTING BODY:

Museum of Byzantine Culture

MUSEUM SCIENTIFIC TEAM:

• Coordination – Supervision: Dr. Agathoniki Tsilipakou, Archaeologist, Director of the Museum of Byzantine Culture
• Scientific Coordinator – Museum Project Team Leader: Anastasios H. Antonaras, Archaeologist – Museologist, Head of the Department of Exhibitions, Communication, and Education

Project Team:
Evangelia Fourliga (Archaeologist), Chrysovalantou-Eirini Veropoulidou (Archaeologist), Lazaros Maninis (Engineer TE), Evdokia Samolada (Computer Engineer), Chrysa Belekou, Christina Papaikonomou

CONTRACTOR:

Consortium of companies: Space Hellas S.A. & Radiant Technologies S.A.

CONTRIBUTORS:

• Digital game scripts, text editing: Dr. Mimika Giannopoulou, archaeologist – member of the contractor’s team
• Photography: Orestis Kourakis – contractor’s team member
• Graphic design & website development: Tool Ltd – contractor’s team member
• English translation: Steven Lever
• Production coordination: Manolis Vouvakis
• Video direction & production: Anastasios Bellas

Contributors to Mobile Applications & Audio Guides:

Narrators:

• Greek: Lila Moustopoulou
• English: Steven Lever
• French: Baya Bendjaballah Tzirani
• German: Michael Seibel
• Spanish: Salgado Silverio Rodriguez
• Russian: Gennadios Patsis
• Serbian: Sanja Rasovic-Pikoula
• Bulgarian: Dora Lami
• Hebrew & Chinese: Ophrys Systemes
• Turkish: Elisavet Kovi
• Greek Sign Language: Roxani Zika
• Audio Recording: Christos Andreadakis
• 3D Photography: Orestis Kourakis
• Game & video sketches: Ioannis Nakas – Archaeologist
• Video production: Andreas Sandrouzanos
• Recording & filming studio: Radiant Technologies S.A.
• App development: Tool Ltd

Translators:

• English: Steven Lever
• French: Baya Bendjaballah Tzirani
• German: Michael Seibel
• Spanish: Salgado Silverio Rodriguez
• Russian: Natalia Basenko
• Serbian: Eleni Kostits
• Bulgarian: Guentcho Banev
• Hebrew: Sarina Salom
• Turkish: Konstantinos Christoforidis
• Chinese: Ophrys Systemes

Production Coordination: Manolis Vouvakis & Sofia Papanagiotou

Contributors to the Structured Cabling and Wireless Local Network:

• Space Hellas S.A. – Yiannis Athanasiadis

Architectural Design of Constructions:

• Spyros Nasainas, Architect

Construction Implementation:

• Panagiotis Psathas