The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce offers the Acropolis Museum first virtual tour
The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) and the Acropolis Museum organized Φώς / Fos The First Virtual Tour of the Acropolis Museum with President Dimitrios Pandermalis on April 10. The impressive tour with a moving Opening Event hosted by Chryssa Avrami included distinguished guests offering their insights and thoughts on the Acropolis and its meaning.
Avrami welcomed everyone to the event and introduced HACC President Markos L. Drakotos, Esq. who noted that “the Acropolis is the heart that breathes life into the Eternal Harmony of this world balancing our existence within time and space. She has endured centuries absorbing energy, refracting it out over this world and the cosmos as a guide leading us to wisdom. She reveals the truths that humankind can stride over on a path to self-awareness and healing. Her architectural marvel stands idle in constant transition. The light, the wind, the dark, the irreverent human hand striking at her yet revealing an even truer, majestic inner beauty. She cannot die, as what she represents transcends us all. Never doubt what she represents as she echoes the learned centuries in her quiet stance. Civilization, democracy, free speech, free thought, and freedom collide against tyranny. She will continue to represent the symmetry of this world as we fill her missing pieces.”
Avrami then introduced His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America who gave his remarks from the Nashville Acropolis replica. Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated the organizers and called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles which remain in the British Museum since they were illegally removed from their rightful home. “They deserve to be read in their native context,” His Eminence said.
Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos Koutras in his remarks noted that he first visited the Acropolis at a young age and shared the sense of pride he feels when foreign dignitaries visit the site and are awe-struck.
Mareva Grabowski Mitsotakis, the wife of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, spoke about the miracle of the Parthenon which saw the birth of democracy and all the gifts of civilization.
Nikos Aliagas, journalist, host, and photographer, based in France, also shared his thoughts on the Acropolis, observing that “it is the DNA of our culture.”
Academic Byzantinologist Helen Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos, and Olympic gold medalist Yiannis Melissanidis, also shared memories and insights, as did actress, producer, and musician Rita Wilson who noted the memory of her first trip to the Acropolis with her parents and brother.
Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, also visited as a youngster while on a family trip from his native Thessaloniki to visit relatives in Athens. He noted that the Acropolis is a reflection of Athenian civilization.
Marianna Vardinogiannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Foundation for the Child & Family, noted that the Acropolis reminds us to rise above human nature and create a better world. She also called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles and mentioned her dear friend, the late Melina Mercouri who famously said in a speech at the Oxford Union debating society, “You must understand what the Parthenon Marbles mean to us. They are our pride. They are our sacrifices. They are our noblest symbol of excellence. They are a tribute to the democratic philosophy. They are our aspirations and our name. They are the essence of Greekness.”
Businessman John Coumantaros said that the earth wears the Acropolis as its finest jewel and the Acropolis is Hellenism recognized.
Phedon Papamichael, an Oscar-nominated cinematographer, said that for him, the Acropolis is home.
Photographer Robert McCabe noted that the Acropolis changes in the light and weather conditions and is a never-ending kaleidoscope for a photographer. When asked to summarize the Acropolis in one word, McCabe said “continuity” as the Acropolis connects the present with 2,000 years of Greek civilization and language.
Musician George Dalaras, Fashion Designer Mary Katrantzou, Managing Partner IRI/Marshall Islands Registry Clay Maitland, composer Evanthia Reboutsika, Computer Scientist and 2007 Turing Award-winner Joseph Sifakis, Town & Country Magazine Editor in Chief Stellene Volandes, and composer Stavros Xarhakos also shared moving insights and impressions of the Acropolis.
Acropolis Museum President Dimitrios Pandermalis then led the fascinating virtual tour which showcased the impressive Museum and many of its remarkable treasures. From the 4th century BC artifacts from the Theatre of Dionysus to the world's top collection of 6th century BC Archaic period sculptures, the collection is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of Greek culture from ancient times to the present day. The award-winning Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 and is a must see for all those visiting Athens.
A Q&A session with Pandermalis, moderated by Sylvia Papapostolou-Kienzl, followed the tour and further highlighted the enthusiasm and interest for the Museum among all those who participated in the virtual event. Many expressed the wish to visit in person as soon as possible.
The event concluded with Avrami thanking Pandermalis for opening the Museum for the special tour.
More information about the Acropolis Museum is available online: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en.
Read more at thenationalherald.com
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Martin451
- 1) Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
- 2) Four hospitals in Attica Region already organizing afternoon surgical procedures
- 3) PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
- 4) First afternoon surgeries in Greece kick off at Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
22/03 14:19
22/03 00:24
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
22/03 00:02
Hellenic Police acquires first electric VAN-type highway patrol vehicle
21/03 22:41
21/03 15:33
Unseen Museum presents "The stele of the twin babies" exhibition in Athens
20/03 22:48
Health Minister: 95% of Greek hospitals to perform afternoon surgeries
20/03 21:52
Greek Deputy Minister of Justice meets delegation from US Embassy in Athens
20/03 21:44
Greek Interior Minister to visit United States and Canada on postal vote
20/03 20:55
Philadelphia Icarians mark 85th Anniversary and organize Apokriatiko Dance
20/03 18:01
Development Minister: We continue the battle against high prices in Greece
19/03 22:28
President of the Hellenic Republic meets her Ethiopian counterpart in Athens
19/03 20:57
19/03 20:25
FinMIn: Moody’s analysis records significant progress in the Greek economy
19/03 11:15
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
18/03 22:20
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association honors Past Supreme President
16/03 13:01
Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens
16/03 12:56
Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto
16/03 11:28
Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres
15/03 21:50
Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania
15/03 13:45
PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece
15/03 12:55
Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation
14/03 23:43
President of Hellenic Republic meets Prime Minister of Slovakia in Bratislava
14/03 22:58
American Express report highlights Global Travel Trends during 2024
14/03 22:52
Four hospitals in Attica Region already organizing afternoon surgical procedures
14/03 22:49
US Ambassador to Athens: More flights from the United States to Greece and Thessaloniki
14/03 22:43
Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos
14/03 19:32
No new intubations for Covid-19 recorded in Greece for the first time
14/03 18:36
Extra road safety measures adopted for Greek pre-lent carnival and Clean Monday
14/03 14:48
14/03 12:54
Electric buses to be deployed on the streets of Athens and Thessaloniki by May
13/03 22:23
13/03 20:11
Prices of basic lenten products either lower or equal to last year's in Greece
13/03 19:15
US Ambassador to Athens: Greece secures NATO readiness via Alexandroupolis
13/03 17:19
13/03 12:26
Greece shows new costumes for revamped Olympic Flame-lighting ceremony
12/03 22:46
Epirotes Society of Philadelphia ‘Omonia’ organized 16th Annual ‘Tsipourovradia’
12/03 21:38
The President of the Hellenic Republic to visit Slovakia on March 13-15
12/03 20:29
First afternoon surgeries in Greece kick off at Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki
11/03 23:58
Greek Foreign Minister: We stand behind Montenegro's European perspective
11/03 23:47
Visa Express for Turkish citizens to commence on five Greek islands in March
11/03 19:40
11/03 18:49
Microsoft Data Center construction kicks off in Spata next to Athens Airport
11/03 17:53
Dodecanese Federation marked 76th Anniversary of Unification with Greece
09/03 22:23
08/03 14:27
Prime Minister: Radical change in Greek education and a brave reform for growth
08/03 14:24
Traffic restrictions expected in Athens mid-morning to evening on Friday due to protests
08/03 14:24
Applications to out-of-court settlement more than doubled in Greece in February
08/03 13:18
Metro station 'Maniatika' near Piraeus Port to be closed on Saturday and Sunday
07/03 14:12
Athens wins World Travel Award 2024 as the top city-break destination in Europe
06/03 22:51
WTTC data show Greece and Portugal lead league for growth in tourist arrivals
06/03 20:28
Greek Tourism Minister at ITB: 2024 will be another excellent year for sector
06/03 19:47
Greek Foreign Minister to meet UAE Minister of Industry and Technology on Friday
06/03 18:43
European Union actions of 274m euros to support cultural heritage in Greece
06/03 16:37
'Odontotos' rack railway temporarily stopped until landslides issue is resolved
06/03 14:40
Minister: Bringing about the return of Greeks abroad 'a moral duty'
05/03 14:28
Archdiocese of America Eparchial Synod to meet on March 14-17 in Florida
05/03 14:21
05/03 14:11
ITB BERLIN 2024 opens with excellent bookings after global rise in travel in 2023
05/03 12:24
Greek PM at Athens supermarket: Consumers 'can already see lower prices on the shelf'
04/03 22:02
Greek Health Minister: Afternoon surgeries at state hospitals to begin shortly
04/03 21:47
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Whitestone Community marks 49th Anniversary
04/03 20:27
Labor chief: Greece to train 500,000 workers in digital, green skills by 2025
04/03 19:44
Foreign Ministry to organize event on 'Women, Peace, and Security' on Friday
04/03 15:12
Athens Riviera | The summer experience with Athens as a background
29/02 22:54
Consumers to see price cuts up to 18.1% in 3,000 Greek supermarket products as of Friday
29/02 21:44
Greece and Germany set up Working Group on shipping cooperation
29/02 21:30
Wyndham Rewards’ Member Month offers 5 weeks of deals, discounts, and bonus points
29/02 21:03
Temple of Poseidon at Sounion near Athens to get new lighting system
29/02 21:02
29/02 20:47
Greece is represented by 60 firms at GULFOOD 2024 exhibition
29/02 19:58
Greek government gives 1+1 month extension for cash register-integrated POS terminals
29/02 19:49
Archangel Michael Church Dance Program shines at Folk Dance Festival in SF
29/02 15:39
'Renovate-rent' programme to be launched, Minister tells Greek Parliament
29/02 12:39
Rio-Antirrio ferry line in central Greece closed due to strong winds
28/02 21:34
Weather with heavy rain and storms in Greece as of Sunday night
28/02 17:31
CEO: The goal is for PPC to become a leading player in Southeast Europe
28/02 17:04
New Wyndham Hotels Market Managing Director of Central and Eastern Europe
28/02 12:21
Minister: Transactions with the Greek State will be further simplified in 2024
28/02 11:57
27/02 17:25
UN Tourism hails Saudi Arabia's historic milestone of 100 million tourists
27/02 15:00
Greek Prime Minister: Relations with Armenia can become even more productive
27/02 14:26
Wyndham: New growth cycle in Greece for the largest hotel chain franchise in the world
27/02 13:15
Price cuts of up to 15% in important product categories in Greece after March 1
27/02 12:46
Athens taxi drivers' protest rally in progress from Athinon avenue to Messogion
26/02 18:30
Annual Summit of Women Political Leaders (WPL) to be held in Athens in April
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
Greek Deputy Transport Minister flies in first test seaplane flight from Lavrio port
Athens streets reopen after private university protest rally and minor incidents
3-year stay and work permits approved for 30,000 undocumented migrants in Greece
Minister: Greece to support Bulgaria and Romania in joining the Schengen zone
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
AEGEAN concludes transfer of stake in Animawings to Memento Group
Sailing from ports of Piraeus and Lavrio back to normal after high-velocity winds end
Ski resort on Mt. Pelion of central Greece in full operation
Greece ranks first on list of countries with fastest business environment progress
Greek president organizes reception for diplomats at Presidential Mansion
Athens wins World Travel Award 2024 as the top city-break destination in Europe
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups