Programmes for the inmates in prison schoolswas a new challenge set to the National Archaeological Museum eight years ago. Upon its own initiative, the Department of Education of the National Archaeological Museum contacted the prison school of Thebes (Eleonas) in 2011,offering the implementation of a tailor-made educational programme in the prison school.We chose the topic of migration in antiquity and the changes that happen through the contact of different civilizations, as this was a subject related to the inmates’ life experiences. Relevant artefacts from the museum’s collections were presented in a powerpoint and a selection of replica vases were used to provide a more sensory approach.The same criteria applied to a second call in 2013 from the prison school of young offenders at Avlona, in Athica. In this case, ancient toys werethe topic selected. As the major part of young prisoners were foreigners that could not speak Greek or had a very limited knowledge, play enabled them to share experience on a universal theme and provided ways to express themselves without the use of language e.g. they could simply experiment with replicated ancient toys and show how they could use a top or a yo-yo, as many of the ancient toys were common with those in their countries. All sessions at prison schools ended with an art workshop, which offers an alternative way to connect to the cultural artefacts, and use them as a starting point for self-expressionand development of creativity. We cannot stress enough the importance of collaborating closely with the expert staff of such particular places,like prisons. They help us familiarize with the daily routine of the establishment and with the mental and physical state of the participants, offering a safety net for our first athempts in unknown lands and a valuable evaluation for improving our next steps. Out reach programmes of this kind extend their objectives beyond factual knowledge to include aims of personal and social development. They contribute to their sense of inclusion and well-being as they create valuable connections with life outside prison and enhance participants’ social contacts through interactions with the museum staff.