The collection brings together regional and city-style garments from Hellenic history, mostly from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, with some items going as far back as the 18th century.

It includes clothes, jewellery, and even small accessories from different areas of mainland and island Greece, as well as from more widespread areas where Hellenism was active (North Macedonia, Eastern Thrace, Eastern Rumelia, the Black Sea, Asia Minor).

In these objects, all eras are expressed; all ages, classes, and social and ethnic cultural groups are represented; and all categories of garments are included, both in terms of form and in terms of the different functions most dress codes served – from protection, decoration, and beauty, to worship, superstition, disguise, and beyond.

Support the CMLE
The enrichment of the CMLE’s collections, with the aim of safekeeping, preserving, utilising and promoting them, has been a constant goal throughout all these years.

If you wish to donate objects to the CMLE, please download and complete the special item donation form.