The Museum of Apoxyomenos tells the original story of an athlete of perfect physical proportions, a piece of art that is impressive in its wholeness and beauty of composition. The bronze statue of Apoxyomenos dates to either 2nd or 1st c. B.C., and its name stems from Greek term for an athlete that is cleaning his body from oil, sweat, and sand after exercise or competition. The Lošinj athlete depicts the moment when he’s cleaning his scraper. The statue is entirely preserved, only missing a little finger of the left hand, eyes, and the scraper, while the right foot was still attached to the original bronze base. Following its removal from the sea bed, the conservation and restoration works on the statue were entrusted to the Croatian Restoration Institute in Zagreb and lasted 6 years, after which the statue was exhibited in some of the most important museums around the world (Louvre, British Museum, J.P Getty Museum).
The Museum of Apoxyomenos, exhibiting only one artifact, the unique archaeological find on the Adriatic and its story, was opened in May 2016 in the Kvarner Palace, in the very centre of Mali Lošinj. This beautiful antique sculpture has become Lošinj’s symbol and trademark, after nearly 20 years from the discovery and to his return to the Museum created especially for him. The Apoxyomenos’ timeless beauty, his unusual and mysterious story, and a distinctive museum setting haven’t left anyone unimpressed!
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Film: Museum of Apoxyomenos
