International Museum Day
This Sunday, May 18th, many of the museums of Athens are taking part in the celebration of International Museum Day. Each year the International Council of Museums (ICOM), selects a theme. In Athens, there will be guided tours and educational programs in the museums and, best of all, it's FREE! So...there's no excuse for all of us to pay a visit and see our favorite artists or a new artist and take this opportunity to enjoy art with the rest of the world!
Nikos Lytras' exhibition at the National Art Gallery is one I highly recommend. Lytras, 1883 - 1927, represents Greek Modernism and I was amazed to see his daring approach, especially in his portraits, which many belittled in the early 1900's. He graduated with distinction from the Athens "School of Arts" and then moved to Germany, where he studied at L. Von Lofftz's atelier. Germany's artists and his own father, who gave him his first painting lessons, influenced Lytras' boldness and gave him a tone which, in my opinion, sets him apart from others.
Other events which we can enjoy on Sunday include a tribute to Marko Bambakari, the famous Greek singer of Rembetiko, at the Center of Pottery at Keramikos, 4-6 Melidoni Street, a showing of the film "Money in Motion" at the "Nomismatiko", monetary museum of Athens, which is at 12 Panepistimiou Street downtown, Savvina Giannatou's concert at the Frissira Museum in Plaka, and programs for kids at the Byzantine museum at 22 Bas. Sofia's Street, near Syntagma square.
The events will last until May 31st, so if you can't make it Sunday, you still have the opportunity to visit the museums an other day during this month. For more information and for the museums taking part in International Museum Day, you can call 210 - 3239414. Have fun!