The initiative of KMOP to build up a museum of masks, representing a large range of civilizations worldwide, is new to Greece, which hosts no such institution. The museum aims to attract the attention of persons from all segments of society interested in viewing and learning about masks from around the world. Instigated in 2006 with initial funding provided by the Swiss Limmat Stiftung, KMOP has been able to fully equip the large venue, and to build up an already seizable collection that to date stretches five continents. Through donations and purchases, the collection is growing with many new pieces every month. Not only the masks themselves, but also supporting background material, such as books and films are displayed. The purpose behind this is to describe the history of each mask, the civilisation and the culture it represents.

A key consideration behind the museum was also to fill an important function in other activities carried out by KMOP. In addition to providing opportunities to actively stimulate the patients of the KMOP Group Houses for the mentally ill (read more about this activity), which will help in their individual rehabilitation, this project will also contribute to their social inclusion into society, through their interaction with the local community and other groups that will be invited to visit the site in order to view the mask collections.

The museum is currently accommodated in the 400 m² basement area of the KMOP Group House Kalypso in Kapandriti, Attica. The location is ideal for displaying items, holding seminars and organizing workshops. It features a lecture hall, complete with IT equipment for presentations and film screenings as well as chairs for the audience. There is also sufficient space available for a large amount of display cases in which to position the masks. In addition, there is a room equipped with sturdy desks to function as workshop where visitors – e.g. school children - (as well as patients of the Group House) can construct their own simple masks.

The museum takes it name from the ancient Roman deity Ianos. Known as the God of Gods, legend has it that Ianos originated in Thessalia, in today’s northern Greece. Ianos was the God of all beginnings and transitions. The first day of the year, the beginning of the New Year, and the month January were dedicated to this deity. Ianos was present the first day of each month and also during the first day of the plantation and harvesting seasons. He was present at birth, marriage and death - during all transitions of life. Often depicted with two faces, Ianos influenced everything that had double appearance and double meaning in life.