Concession of 27 Museum and Archaeological Site Gift Shops to Private Operators for €50,600 Monthly

Concession Agreement by ΟΔΑΠ

The ΟΔΑΠ (Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development) of the Ministry of Culture has concluded an agreement to concede the management of 27 gift shops, located at the country's premier archaeological sites and museums, to private entities. The relevant decision was posted on Διαύγεια (Diavgeia, Greece's transparency portal for public sector decisions) on the eve of the August 15th holiday. The contractor is the joint venture of economic entities “Space Hellas S.A. – Radiant Technologies S.A.,” which has established a new company, “Hellenic Souvenirs S.A.,” for the sole purpose of managing these points of sale.

Financial Terms and Points of Sale

The contract provides for the payment of a monthly rent amounting to €50,600, plus a 2% royalty on total sales. The duration of the agreement is set at six years, with a right of renewal for an additional six. Simultaneously, the terms include for the first time the private operator's ability to offer products of its own design and production for sale, anticipating strong growth and a significant profit leap for the organization.

Among the 27 gift shops included in the concession package are sites with the highest visitor traffic nationwide. Indicatively, these include the shops at the Acropolis, Olympia, Delphi, Sounion, Knossos, Mycenae, and Epidaurus. The list also includes the Olympieion, the Ancient Agora of Athens, two points in Kerameikos, Akrotiri on Santorini, Mystras, the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, as well as the Archaeological Museums of Aigai, the Royal Tombs of Aigai, and Chania.

Recent Renovations and Infrastructure Costs

The concession follows an extensive infrastructure upgrade program by ΟΔΑΠ, which was funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The total amount allocated for the renovation of 14 of these gift shops—including those in Delphi, Olympia, Ancient Messene, the Asklepieion of Kos, and Spinalonga—amounted to €6,300,000 (approx. $6.9 million).

Specifically for the Acropolis archaeological site, the new gift shop was delivered fully renovated on June 1, 2025, with configuration costs reaching €600,000. During the inauguration, the leadership of the Ministry of Culture emphasized that the renovated stores aim both to increase ΟΔΑΠ revenues through a new retail strategy and to promote Greek culture via the souvenirs purchased by visitors.

Tender Process and Strategy

It is worth noting that the winning consortium was the sole bidder in the 12 different tenders that preceded the management award for these spaces. The same companies had also taken over the management of the Hellenic Parliament flower shop in 2024.

This move is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Culture for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). As has occurred with the transformation of CrediaBank through new acquisitions, this approach already includes the concession of services such as snack bars, restrooms, lockers at the Acropolis, and ticket management. Furthermore, the establishment of a Société Anonyme (S.A.) for the management of the Ministry of Culture's movable and immovable property is currently underway.