Innovative technologies are making a dynamic entrance and taking a leading role in managing and operating Greek archaeological sites and museums through a substantial program with a budget of 27,280,000 euros, implemented by the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources (ODAP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.

Titled “Development & Implementation of Digital Interactive Services and Content to Enhance Visitor Experience at Archaeological Sites, Museums, Monuments, and Historic Places Using Innovative Technologies and Open Systems,” the project has a completion horizon of 14 months. It is funded by Recovery Fund resources, and its implementation has been awarded to the consortium of OTE, SingularLogic, and Radiant following an open international tender conducted by ODAP.

The project includes a new, user-friendly, and flexible Ticket Sales and Access Control Management System for 107 sites, representing the majority of annual revenues; the Hellenic Heritage Web App, a membership card app offering personalized services; a “digital” guided tour allowing visitors to send electronic souvenirs from 40 archaeological sites and museums in eight languages—Greek, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Russian—and in Greek Sign Language; a Digital Signage System with screens and QR codes for instant information in 30 sites; advanced access control, counting, and supervision systems for better management and protection of archaeological sites and museums; as well as maintenance, support, and staff training services to ensure a smooth transition to new technologies.

In the initial phase, five archaeological sites—Sounio, Delos, Asklepieion of Kos, Rotunda of Thessaloniki, and Ancient Agora of Athens—will feature advanced augmented reality (AR) functions, while the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia will host virtual reality (VR) experiences.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, after the presentation of the project’s progress by ODAP executives and contractors, stated: “Within the framework of the government’s and the Ministry of Culture’s policies for the sustainable development of our cultural heritage, the substantial upgrade of services and infrastructure at archaeological sites and museums, we are moving forward with the digital transformation of their services. This aims to ensure the most accurate and efficient management of cultural resources, fundamentally enhancing their operation. Our goal is universal access to museums and monuments, integrating the most modern and innovative digital technologies, as well as enriching visitor experiences through personalized services. The core components of this project include electronic ticketing at 107 archaeological sites and museums, digital signage with accessible content, and digital guided tours.”

ODAP Board President Nicoletta Divari-Valakou added: “This project is a decisive step in the digital transformation of our country’s cultural infrastructure. Using the most advanced digital technologies and innovative solutions, we aim to enhance visitor experiences, improve our services, and promote our cultural wealth. The consortium responsible for this ambitious project, selected through an international competitive process, possesses high-level expertise and proven experience in similar projects, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality and effective outcome that will significantly upgrade the operation and services at the Ministry of Culture’s heritage sites, supporting the sustainable development of our cultural assets.”