The Maria Callas Museum, the first in the world dedicated to the great opera artist, celebrates its first year of operation. To mark the occasion, on Saturday, October 26th, general admission to its exhibition spaces will be at a reduced rate.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated: "In just one year, the Maria Callas Museum has welcomed over 40,000 visitors from at least 35 countries. Thanks to the public's love and the support of our sponsors, donors, and partners, the vision to highlight and share the unique legacy of this legendary opera diva is becoming a reality. We celebrate the museum's first year by offering reduced ticket prices to the public."



With a unique collection now comprising over 1,200 artifacts, the Maria Callas Museum has become a hub for donations and rare memorabilia. Among the most significant contributions are those from the Greek Maria Callas Society, the Konstantinos and Victoria Pylarinos couple, the Athenaeum Conservatory, and individuals who knew her personally, whose testimonies continue to enrich the museum's oral history collection. Over the past year, the museum has received more than 40 new donations, which will soon be added to its collection. From Callas' autographs and rare LP records to correspondence and bootleg recordings, visitors will have the chance to explore even more aspects of her personal and professional life, with each item telling its own unique story.

Collaborations with prestigious cultural institutions, such as Teatro alla Scala and the Ministry of Culture, have brought unique costumes from historical performances like "Iphigenia in Tauris," "Lady Macbeth," and "Norma" to the museum. Additionally, through a partnership with the Greek National Opera, sheet music from the museum's collection was displayed in the exhibition "UNBOXING CALLAS," while digital replicas were exhibited at the National Library of Greece. The museum also participated in the international conference "Maria Callas at 100: Opera, Celebrity, Myth" in Turin, where it presented its work and formed new collaborations with researchers and institutions abroad.



Another key focus of the museum this year has been the development of educational programs for children, families, and schools. More than 45 school tours and 40 school-based educational programs filled the museum with laughter and children's voices, as students of all ages learned about Callas' life through creative activities incorporating various art forms (music, theater, dance, and visual arts). On Sundays, infants, children, and parents participated in family programs, exploring the world of opera in an inspiring and interactive journey full of creativity and joy.

The Maria Callas Museum has also established itself as a vibrant hub for artistic events and activities. Throughout its first year, the museum organized numerous cultural events, including theatrical performances, musical evenings, lectures, workshops, film screenings, masterclasses, and book presentations. Partnerships with organizations such as the Athens State Orchestra, the Italian Cultural Institute of Athens, the Athens Conservatory, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra enriched the events, bringing art closer to the public and proving that Callas continues to inspire new artists and creators.



Moreover, the museum's social initiatives, aimed at promoting equal accessibility, inclusion, and outreach to the community, have proven essential. Through specially designed tours, events, and programs, the museum has, from the beginning, offered access and participation in cultural activities for all. Over the past year, it has collaborated with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Panhellenic Union for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration (PEPSAEE), SCHEDIA magazine, Special Schools, and Friendship Clubs of the Municipality of Athens. Plans are also underway for collaborations with organizations, disability associations, and cultural venues across various art forms. In this way, the museum aims to establish lasting connections with the city and its people.

Additionally, the museum's core activities include internship and volunteer programs. Interns and volunteers brought a special energy to the museum this past year. From customer service to supporting events and educational programs, their active involvement has enhanced every activity. The Maria Callas Museum is proud to offer a dynamic platform where people of all ages and backgrounds can contribute, creating a community of solidarity and cooperation.



Finally, the museum's achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable help of its partners and sponsors, whose contributions were crucial to its smooth operation and the realization of events and programs, bringing Callas' world closer to the wider public.

For 2025, the Maria Callas Museum is preparing an even richer and more outward-looking program. Through new collaborations with artists, groups, and cultural and social organizations, the museum is opening new horizons, expanding its collection, educational programs, activities, and events. Every initiative remains dedicated to highlighting the unique legacy of Maria Callas, a woman who remains a timeless symbol of the power of art to connect, inspire, and create.

For Sale: Barbie Dream House with all the original pieces, including music and lights.

(Special Offer: 20 tickets available for €5 at the box office. Arrive by 16:00)

THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens' first English speaking  theatre, proudly presents a revolutionary reimagining of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s  timeless opera in it’s newest rendition:  "I Pagliacci: Pedal to the Metal."  

This daring fusion of opera and heavy metal, is brought to life through the heavy metal orchestration and electric bass of Philip Modinos and the electric guitar of Sinnik Al, with stage direction by Dimosthenis Stavrianos. Premiering on October 30th , the show will run for only 10 shows, every Wednesday as part of the theatre's innovative "No Opera Wednesdays" initiative.

As the haunting melodies of Leoncavallo's iconic score  collide with the fierce energy of heavy metal, bringing new intensity and passion to the tragic tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal. The bold adaptation merges the emotional depth of traditional opera with the raw power of heavy metal, promising to captivate a diverse audience from opera aficionados to metal enthusiasts. 

Orchestration:  Philip Modinos, Sinnik Al

Stage Direction:  Dimosthenis Stavrianos

Canio:  Philip Modinos, Dimitris Alexandridis, John Rownan

Nedda:  Irini Konsta, Despina Anagnou

Sylvio:  Dimosthenis Stavrianos, TBA

Tonio:  Alexandros Gavaris, Maira Georgarou

Pepe:  Philip Modinos, Dimitris Alexandridis, John Rownan

Photos: endymionas

Poster: Sotiria Bramou

Communications Manager: Eleftheria Sakareli

Production: FAIL BETTER PRODUCTIONS NON-PROFIT

Performance Dates: 

Wednesday’s from 30th October  until  15th  January  at 20.00

(Not Performing on 25/12/24 & 1/1/25)

Note: Subtitles will be included during the performance

The theatre also has a bar with affordable prices (beer €2.50, drinks €5).

For Sale: Handmade wooden double bed. A mattress is also available for a small additional cost.

For Sale: Two white beds with storage space. They can be used as two separate single beds or as a corner bed. Mattresses are also included at no extra cost.

Bed 1: L: 180 x W: 90 x H: 40

Bed 2: L: 160 x W: 90 x H: 40

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, especially in a vibrant metropolis like Athens, it can be easy to lose sight of the beauty and significance of appreciating life. Whether it’s the towering ancient monuments or the lively streets filled with people, Athens offers countless opportunities for reflection and gratitude. But why is it so important to take a step back and appreciate life, especially in such a busy environment, and how can we practice this in our daily lives?

Taking time to appreciate life contributes to mental health and overall happiness. When we stop to recognize the beauty around us—whether it’s a sunset, a kind gesture, or a quiet moment of peace—we foster a mindset of gratitude. This, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes positivity, and encourages a more balanced outlook on life.

2. Builds Stronger Connections

When we appreciate life, we’re more present in our interactions with others. In a big city like Athens, where people come from all walks of life, taking time to connect with others—whether it's a friendly conversation at a café or a smile shared with a stranger—strengthens the sense of community. It reminds us that we’re all part of a greater whole, sharing the same space and experiences

3. Encourages Mindfulness

In the fast-paced rhythm of city life, it’s easy to get caught up in to-do lists and daily tasks. Appreciating life helps us slow down and be mindful of the present moment. Mindfulness allows us to be fully aware of our surroundings and experiences, which leads to greater fulfillment and contentment.

4. Inspires Personal Growth

When we take the time to appreciate life, we often gain new perspectives. Gratitude for life’s simple pleasures—like the beauty of the Acropolis at sunset or the sound of the sea at Piraeus—helps us stay grounded, humble, and more open to personal growth. In this way, appreciation isn’t just about living in the moment, but also about reflecting on how we can continuously improve ourselves and our relationships.

A new digitization project undertaken by the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Ministry of Health, will enable interoperability among Greek hospitals, allowing doctors – regardless of their location, city, or region – to access the national electronic health records of patients without requiring them to present their medical files each time.

“Our aim is for all hospitals in the country to communicate with one another, as well as with the national medical record, the electronic prescription system, and any other structures of the Health Ministry,” Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

“This initiative has significant implications beyond merely improving organizational efficiency. Consider how much easier it will be for citizens if all health-related information is immediately available on their mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry physical folders of medical tests. Additionally, think of the reduction in bureaucracy if the attending physician has direct access to this information.”

All data related to a patient’s medical history – including diagnostic tests, laboratory results, and radiological images – will be available in the myHealth App.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

For Sale: Very comfortable sofa bed in excellent condition. It fits 4 people as a sofa and 2 people when opened as a bed. Built-in storage space.

Slow living is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle rooted in ancient cultures, particularly in Greece, where the concept of living in the moment has been part of daily life for centuries. From the unhurried conversations at a local kafeneio (café) to the slow, deliberate preparation of food, Greeks have long embraced the art of taking their time. This cultural tradition of slowing down has not only fostered stronger communities but has also been a path to a more fulfilling and conscious life.

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel overwhelmed by the demands of modern living. The pressures of work, constant connectivity, and the need to “do more” have disconnected us from our inner selves and the world around us. Slow living, however, offers a refreshing alternative—a return to mindfulness, intentionality, and deeper connections.

At its core, slow living is about living intentionally, focusing on what truly matters, and being fully present in each moment. It’s about slowing down your pace to savor life’s simple pleasures—whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of tea, taking a walk in nature, or having meaningful conversations. Unlike the rush of modern life, slow living encourages you to reduce distractions and create a life that aligns with your values, desires, and inner peace.

In a world that often demands more, slow living offers a much-needed pause—a way to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. Rooted in Greek tradition and embraced by people seeking mindfulness today, this lifestyle nurtures emotional well-being, fosters creativity, and leads to a deeper sense of fulfillment. By slowing down, you’ll discover that life’s richest moments are often found in its simplest pleasures.

The Hellenic American Union presents the exhibition "Shadows" as part of the 37th Panorama of European Cinema, paying tribute to the great Greek-American director John Cassavetes. Four young visual artists—Alexandros Vergis, Katerina Christopoulou, Vasilis Pafilis, and Virginia Axioti—illuminate, through their works, a world of shadows: the cinematic universe of John Cassavetes. The exhibition is curated by the renowned painter Yannis Psychopedis.

The opening will take place on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 7:30 PM, at the Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas Gallery of the Hellenic American Union (Massalias 22, Athens), and it will run until November 9, 2024.

John Cassavetes' 1959 film Shadows becomes the subject and meeting point between painting and cinema. This exhibition initiates a fruitful dialogue between the black-and-white cinematic atmosphere of the late 1950s and the vibrant, colorful visual language of today's era. As Yannis Psychopedis notes: "Cassavetes, the radical, pioneering director with his minimalist, improvisational, human-centered cinematic form, provides the raw material and inspiration for his 'Shadows' to be transformed into a visual feast of colors, shapes, techniques, and unique materials. The fluid black-and-white images of the film, the improvised rhythms, the expressive freedom, interpersonal conflicts, and emotional tensions are translated here by the four creators into a visual vocabulary filled with color pulses, unexpected material combinations, free artistic improvisations, and vivid, plastic emotion."

As part of the exhibition, and shortly before it concludes, John Cassavetes' film Shadows will be screened on Friday, November 8, at 7:00 PM at the Theater of the Hellenic American Union, with free admission.

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed