The creation of Greece’s first National Museum dedicated exclusively to the 1821 Greek War of Independence has taken a major step forward with the signing of a donation agreement worth up to 12 million euros ($13.7 million). The funding will cover the studies and restoration of the Old Military Bakery complex in the Goudi district of Athens, where the museum will be established.
The agreement was signed by Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, and Olga Mentzafou, president of the Anthony E. Komninos Foundation and chair of the Board of Directors of the National Gallery, formalizing the foundation’s donation for the project.
Museum exhibits
The National Museum of the 1821 Greek War of Independence will house, preserve, and exhibit artifacts and historical relics drawn from public and private collections. Its establishment will contribute to the decongestion of existing museums and will offer a modern, independent exhibition space for the documented promotion of the Greek War of Independence.
The Museum will be a point of reference for the preservation of historical memory, education and the promotion of Greek history, while it also aspires to acquire international reach, integrating the Greek Revolution and the Philhellenic Movement into the broader historical context of the European revolutions and national movements of the 19th century. Upon completion of the project, the Museum will be in the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense, which will coordinate the bodies involved and, through its competent services, will supervise the required administrative and licensing procedures for the restoration of the building complex.
The Ministry of Culture, through the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, undertakes the museological, museographic and scientific establishment of the new museum, as well as the management of its collections.
At the same time, the Board of Directors decided to accept the donation of the collection of works of art of the “Anthony E. Komninos” Foundation, which will be permanently exhibited in the new Museum together with works from its collections.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
