Πολιτισμοί της ορεινότητας:

The first attempt to create a folklore collection began in the early 1970 by Pantelis C. Karalis and so the establishment of a permanent exhibition in Kispeli (formerly known as Chosepsi) in Arta came as a result. The collection was initially housed in the premises of the cafe ‘s owner, in a stone built house that dates back to 1928. This museum style cafe operated in this way for years. In 1997 the collection was included in an EU program entitled LEADER II and the Ambracian Development Company oversaw its management. Under this initiative, the folklore collection of Karalis turned into The Museum of Folk Art and Life.

Pantelis Karalis started his collection without a license or special knowledge of folklore items. For more than thirty years he collected and recorded the lifestyle of his native region. These items include simply crafted everyday tools, clothes and songs. He created links between the museum and his own life experiences through exhibits which mirrored the local society and culture. Today, the collection spans over the past two centuries and is continuously enriched. The collection includes over 1,800 items such as rural and household goods, weapons and local garments, wood carvings, textiles, embroidery, coins and tools of various professionals etc.