The Louvre Museum has agreed to the reproduction of one of its most prized posessions – the Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory of Samothrace). Two replicas will be made following the initiative of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Prefect George Pavlidis who stressed the statue’s significance to the cultural heritage of Samothrace.

Two exact replicas will be made in the statue’s exact size in accordance with the museum’s 3D guidelines. One of the two replicas will be placed in its original location in Samothrace, whereas the second will head to the city of Alexandroupolis, northern Greece.

Scooped from the Greek island of Samothrace after it was discovered in April 1863 by French consul and amateur archeologist Charles Champoiseau, it was swiftly sent to Paris. The popular exhibit from the 2nd century BC, featuring the goddess Nike, has been displayed at the Louvre in Paris since 1884.

“We thank the Louvre Museum, the guardian of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, for the courtesy,” said Pavlidis. “Our cultural heritage is exceptional, shining worldwide, with far-reaching influence, and as such we must highlight it in all its glory and bring it closer to our fellow citizens.”