We discovered the Museum of Gramophones and Radios in Karya, during our recent holiday in Lefkada. It was a bit of a lucky find, and we both found it to be a remarkable place. You could really see that the work of a lifetime had gone into collecting and repairing the gramophones and radios on display. There was also an incredible personal story attached. When we got back to Athens, the Mrs decided to do some further research into the museum. Over to Vanessa then, and her first guest post on Dave's Travel Pages!
The Museum of Gramophones and Radios in Karya, Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada
is an island in the Ionian Sea, between mainland Greece and Italy. It is mostly famous for its long, sandy beaches, and its amazing sunsets and views of the Ionian sea. Compared to most other Greek Islands
, Lefkada is very green, and offers some landscapes that are rather unusual for Greece. There are also a couple of mountains over 1,000 metres high, where you can find some nice little villages. Our favourite village on the whole island was Karya, and not just because of the huge salads.
Just as we entered Karya, we noticed a small sign, informing us about a museum of gramophones and radios. Something about this rather amateur-made looking sign drew us closer. I personally hadn't seen anything similar on my travels. While we are not really huge fans of antiques, we thought it might be interesting.
We went up a half-finished staircase, and walked in a small carpeted hallway. The first thing we saw was a jukebox, and then a door leading to a bigger room, which was full of gramophones. A female voice said “Yiassas, kalossirthate” (“Hello, welcome”). The lady was barefoot and possibly in her 70s. “I apologise, I had to walk a lot today and my shoes hurt me. Let me show you around”.
We soon found out that the museum had its grand opening in July 2015, and therefore we were some of its very first visitors. The lady's basic English was balanced by her enthusiasm for the museum's collection. Soon enough we knew a lot of things about gramophones, radios and all early forms of sound reproduction. Her husband, Mr Hristos Vlahos, had started collecting similar items in 1962, and he continues to these days. They own more than 1,000 radios, gramophones and juke boxes. Only a very small selection of these are displayed in the Museum of gramophones and radios in Karya. All of them are in perfect condition, as Mr Vlahos has become an expert in restoring them.
We saw the first gramophone ever produced by Thomas Edison, and a gramophone record with an Eleftherios Venizelos’ speech about 100 years ago. There was also an amazing collection of radios of all sizes and forms. We even had the chance to use a 10-drachma coin to play an old Rebetiko song in the jukebox. “Πού να βρω γυναίκα να σου μοιάζει”!
On the walls of the Museum of gramophones and radios in Karya , there were several pictures of old rebetika singers. Some of these legends, such as Vamvkaris, are no longer alive. There were also photos of famous Greek singers, before they became household names.
Our lovely hostess explained that Mr Vlahos always dreamt of opening a Museum of gramophones and radios in his home village of Karya. Showcasing the items he had been collecting over the years, was the dream of a lifetime. However, running the museum full-time is definitely not easy for two pensioners. The time and energy needed to run the Museum from 10.00 to 22.00 daily, would be draining for anyone. Moreover, the museum is funded entirely by themselves. They are currently renting the building, and the fee of 3 euro is possibly not enough to maintain the cost.
In this video (in Greek), Mr Vlahos explains how collecting such items was his passion since he was very young. He talks about the museum in greater detail below. He also expresses his hope that some organisation will help him maintain the museum. If you don’t speak Greek, you can still get an idea of the amazing collection!
Both Dave and myself have been to several museums in Greece and abroad, but this one really stuck out, as it was created with love and passion. We would like to wish Mr Vlahos and his Mrs best of luck. We will definitely go back to the Museum of gramophone and radios if we pass by Lefkada again!
Paula McInerney says
This is a lovely story of the passion Mr Vlahos and his Mrs. I hope that they do get recognition in the form of subsidy, as this museum of gramophones and radios is important to the heritage.
Dave Briggs says
I hope so too. I think it is not so much the subsidy, but perhaps someone to help, and the knowledge that the museum will carry on if they are unable to 😉
Jen Seligmann says
I love that places like this museum exist do that generation after generation can see the evolution of life. One of the reasons I travel is to visit quirky off the path museums that you can’t find just anywhere. Definitely keeping this museum in mind for future travels.
Meg Jerrard says
Firstly, thats one HUGE salad!! And so glad you stumbled upon the museum, it sounds like a wonderful and fascinating find!! Seriously, what a collection! Having the first gramophone ever produced by Thomas Edison on display is AWESOME!!
I’ve begun to get more and more into history and am fascinated by the discoveries and advances in technology that the world has made over the years, so I love these kind of exhibitions and museums which are really hands on.
Thanks for the feature!
kami says
What a quirky museum, I love places like this!! I haven’t been to the Greek islands yet but thinking more and more of them so when I decide to go Lefkada just jumped on top of my list, for this museum itself! So cool!
Curious Claire says
This sounds like a fun slightly quirky museum that’s perfect for me 🙂
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says
That sounds like quite a unique museum. I have an old radio in my bedroom that reminds me of the one in your shot above!
Lesley says
What is in that salad? It’s the largest one I’ve ever seen.
RaW | Ramble and Wander says
I love small independent private museums like these because you can see the passion of the owners, not just through their collection but also when they share their stories. I’m surprised though they have the energy to open the museum up until 10 in the evening! But then I guess that really shows their passion!
sue says
What an amazing find. Its incredible to think how many speciality museums are around the world just waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. This sounds like a fascinating museum to visit and that food looked pretty yummy too.
Kay Dougherty says
I love Lefkada – stopped there on a sailing trip a couple years ago. This is very sweet that this couple started a museum of gramophones and radios but it seems highly unlikely that they will be able to make a go of it financially in that locaiion. But I wish them well and if I find myself back there again I’ll visit and pay 5 euros!
Dave Briggs says
Yep – I don’t think the financial aspect is of major importance though. I think they would prefer that some government body recognises their efforts, and ensures its future – It would be a shame to lose such wonderful heritage.