It is the only jewelry and decorative arts museum in Greece and was established in 1993 as a non-profit organization. The museum houses a collection of more than 4,000 pieces of jewelry and delicate sculptures designed by the museum's founder, Ilias Lalaounis, between 1940 and 2000. On the museum's annual calendar are temporary exhibitions with decorative arts, cultural programs that include research and educational programs for children on the ancient art of goldsmithing, publications, and cultural activities for adults. The museum also focuses on the cultural programs of special social groups.