A special place to heighten environmental awareness has been in operation at the funitel terminal station since 5 June 2008:
The Small Museum of Parnitha. It is part of a joint undertaking between Regency Entertainment and the Parnitha National Park Management Authority.
Visitors are invited to follow a narrative route to:
Learn about the Parnitha ecosystem and understand its importance for all of Attica
Find out about the history of Parnitha National Park
Read about the region’s flora and fauna
Become familiar with the forest experience and
Realise that the future of the planet, first and foremost, depends on individual attitude and participation.
A significant part of the exhibit is a multi-media account of the devastating fire of 2007, and the important work that has been done since to restore the park.
The exhibits at the Small Museum of ParnithaA visit to the museum provides an unusual, integrated informational experience. Visitors are invited not just to view a number of artefacts, but also to participate in the forest experience. That’s why many of the exhibits are interactive and require visitors to engage.
The permanent exhibition is developed along 2 key axes and includes a total of 10 sub-units.
1st Axis: Humans and the Forest “Pan’s Grotto”: an informal chronology of the history of Parnitha, based on the most significant mythological, historical and cultural findings.
“The Red Deer”: an extensive visual presentation of the park in full bloom, through unique illustrations and artistic photographs.
“The Mountain”: a synthesis of rich photographic material providing information related to Mt Parnitha.
“Trail 22”: a schematic representation charting the course of Trail 22 across the park.
2nd Axis: Forest protection and management
“The 2007 disaster”: photographic and audio-visual material from the fire.
“Restoration”: a presentation of actions undertaken to date to restore the park’s natural vegetation.
“Maintenance and care”: maintenance methods at the park.
“Athens and Parnitha”: the park’s vital importance to the Attica Basin.
“Correct behaviour”: the 10 commandments of how to behave in the natural environment.
“Volunteerism”: people and their active participation in caring for and protecting the environment.
The Small Museum of Parnitha offers visitors the opportunity to find out more about the National Park and to learn to love the Parnitha forest. Could there be a better incentive than ensuring a greener future?
Useful information
The Museum is open daily, including weekends, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is free. School visits can be arranged with the Parnitha National Park Management Authority. Park Management Authority tel.: +30 210 24 45 226.
