The fossilized trees were buried by pyroclastic materials during intense volcanic eruptions in the Lower Miocene epoch.
The museum is a designated UNESCO Global Geopark site, the first of its kind in Greece.
Many of the specimens on display are the direct ancestors of modern-day Sequoia and Redwood trees.
The facility maintains a laboratory for the conservation of petrified wood that is constantly being exposed by erosion in the surrounding hills.
Some fossilized trunks found in the region reach diameters of over 3 meters.
The museum coordinates the monitoring of active volcanic and seismic phenomena across the island of Lesvos.
The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest is a specialized institution dedicated to the preservation and study of the Miocene-era fossilized ecosystem found in western Lesvos. The museum houses a significant collection of petrified trunks, leaves, and fruits that were fossilized approximately 20 million years ago by volcanic activity. Its primary exhibit hall showcases the geological evolution of the Aegean region, focusing on the fossilization process of the local Sequoia-like trees. The institution operates as an active research center and serves as the headquarters for the Lesvos UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can observe distinct specimens of fossilized pine, oak, and cinnamon trees alongside ancient animal fossils found within the volcanic strata. The facility also functions as an educational hub for paleontology, seismology, and environmental conservation in the Mediterranean. It features climate-controlled galleries to protect fragile organic specimens from degradation. The museum's curatorial approach integrates interactive models explaining the shifting tectonic plates and volcanic eruptions that shaped the island's landscape.
The central exhibition hall featuring the large, upright petrified trunk displays against the high-contrast volcanic rock walls.
Combine your museum visit with a trip to the nearby Petrified Forest Park to see the trees in their original excavated positions.
Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to visit the outdoor fossil sites, as the terrain is rugged and volcanic.
Bring sun protection, as the Sigri region has minimal shade and high solar exposure during summer.
Do not attempt to collect or take 'souvenir' pieces of petrified wood from the surrounding natural sites, as this is strictly prohibited by law.
Operating hours vary significantly between the summer peak season and winter months; the museum is generally closed on Mondays.
Do not touch the fossilized exhibits; oil from skin can damage ancient mineralized surfaces. Photography is generally permitted without flash.
