MUSEUM ON WATER

RECONSTRUCTION OF A PART OF THE PREHISTORIC PALAFITTE SETTLEMENT
FROM THE BRONZE AGE IN THE BAY OF THE BONES AT LAKE OHRID

Based on the results from the underwater archaeological researches at the site “Plocha Michov Grad” in the Bay of the Bones at the peninsula Gradishte on the east coast of Lake Ohrid , is prepared a project for partial reconstruction of a prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement from the Bronze Age. Namely, on wooden pales pinned up at the bottom of the lake, above the water level will be built a platform on top of which will be risen seven prehistoric wooden houses in whose interior the archaeological items, mainly from the Bronze Age ceramics production, will be returned at the proper places where it is assumed they were to be found in the time of their usage. At the exterior and in the interior the houses will have all the necessary characteristics, based on the findings from the researches and based on comparative literature. This part of the settlement will be built at a distance of approximate fifteen meters off shore, and it will be connected with the land by a wooden prehistoric drawbridge. On the land in front of the stationed settlement will be constructed an access center with museum space, souvenirs windows, coffee bar etc.

The realization of this project will last for two years: 2007 and 2008. In 2007 the preparatory works are being done: provision of 500 m 3 oak timbers, than special treatments (modification in some foreign country), preparation of the terrain, and archaeological researches in some parts of Gradishte etc. In March 2008 will start the direct reconstruction of the settlement.

The final goal of this endeavor is to obtain one authentic Water Museum , which in such form of presentation would be unique on the Balkans (there is something similar by Lake Kostur , but there the settlement is built on a swampy terrain).

Carrier of the realization of this project is NI Institute and Museum – Ohrid under whose authority were performed the underwater archaeological researches between 1997 and 2005. The Governemnt of Republic of Macedonia provides the complete financial support, while the coordination was entrusted to the Director of the Cultural Heritage Protection Office, Pasko Kuzman.