Near West Side
National Hellenic Museum
333 S. Halsted St.
Cultural/community
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Saturday
10am - 4pm
Sunday
10am - 4pm
DETAILS:
Since 1983, the National Hellenic Museum has been a public history museum with a mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story in relevant ways that foster connections across generations, cultures and time. Completed in 2011, the museum resides in a contemporary building that serves as an anchor for Chicago’s historic Greektown. The building is the work of Greek American architect Demetrios Stavrianos of RTKL Associates. The limestone and glass building synthesizes symbolic antecedents of both antiquity and Byzantine Christian architecture together with a modern design philosophy. A striking open stairway seamlessly connects the museum's rotating galleries spread across three floors. Complementing the structure is a remarkable rooftop space that offers an unique perspective of the skyline and the Jane Byrne Circle Interchange.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE:
Visit the new exhibition, The Odyssey Reimagined, which features the work of eighteen contemporary artists, working across painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and sound, each responding to Homer’s nearly 3,000-year-old, Odyssey. Guests are invited to explore the entire museum including the rooftop (weather permitting). Guided tours will also be available at the top of every hour. Additionally, the museum will offer a special experience in the classroom studio where children and adults can participate in hands-on activities that connect ancient Greek culture to the present time. Activities include: Into the Modern: Using architectural forms found in Ancient Greek structures, as well as modern forms, visitors can create their own unique city skyline. Paint Like an Ancient Potter: Learn about traditional Greek motifs in Ancient Greek pottery, such as meanders, waves, and the symbolism of wheat and olive branches and try your own hand at classical design using paint pens to decorate small clay pots.
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