A world, that brings back the historical past, unreels in the Adamantios Koraes Museum, where, apart from the Library, the Folkloric Museum of the benefactor Filippos Argentis is also hosted in.
The library was founded in 1792, but it was destroyed during the Massacres (1822) and the earthquake (1881). After Koreas' death (1833), his dying wish, moving his book collections to Chios, was fulfilled and, therefore, the library started operating again. It has 5 stack rooms, 250.000 book volumes and is the third largest library in Greece. One can find rare books, manuscripts, old newspapers and magazines and book collections in several scientific fields. The collections and the personal items of literary men (Theotokas, Psiharis, Amantos), who came from Chios, will draw the visitors' attention. Koraes' statue, made by Giannis Pappas, stands imposing with almost a satisfactory look for the museum.
The Folkloric Museum of Argentis was added to the main building, when Filippos Argentis built a second floor in 1948. The shape and the faultlessness of the historical paintings, the marble busts and the portraits of great Chian families will impress the visitors. The generous collection of F. Argentis includes enthymemes, coins, the sword of the Diplomatic corps, fretworks and traditional costumes dated from the 16th to the 20th century.
Do not miss the opportunity to admire some of the priceless exhibits, such as the eight-volume Kelsos' collection "History of Medicine", the colorful Mediterranean shells and the first Greek flag that was hoisted in the Command Post on the Liberation Day from the Turks. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-15:00, Friday afternoon 17:00-20:00 and Saturday 9:00-14:00.