On Thursday 26 October, the Maria Callas Museum, the first museum in the world dedicated to the legendary Greek soprano who defined 20th century opera, opened its doors in the “heart” of Athens, at 44 Mitropoleos Street.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Maria Callas’ birth, which has been included in the UNESCO list of anniversaries for 2023, Technopolis of the Municipality of Athens handed over a Museum, which will be a permanent cultural reference point for years to come.
The new museum sheds light on Maria Callas’ career and personality, beyond the myths that have been cultivated about her, with the aim of inspiring, entertaining and highlighting the elements of her technique that made her unique.
Maria Callas Museum, Photo: Vasilis Lambiris
The new cultural attraction being created in the centre of Athens focuses on an experiential experience that first awakens visitors’ love for Maria Callas and then pushes them to discover the different aspects of her career and life. The museum’s exhibits include unique objects that belonged to this multi-faceted artist, who, with her wide range, unique timbre of voice and stage presence, managed to change the world of opera forever.
The first Maria Callas museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in her world and her unique interpretation of some of the most iconic roles of her career.
Photo: Vangelis Patsialos
Through texts, objects, videos and rare sound clips that build an overall experience for the visitor, the thread of the life and career of Maria Callas unfolds. From her beginnings, her years in Greece, her international career and major roles, to her worldly life, her personality, the moments and people of her life, and the legacy she left behind.
The creation of the collection by the Municipality of Athens with objects of Maria Callas began in 2000, when the Municipality acquired the first objects by participating in an international auction in Paris. Since then, the collection has been enriched by donations of objects from several institutions and individuals, such as the Hellenic Association Maria Callas and the couple Konstantinos and Victoria Pilarinos, with relics that belonged to or refer to Maria Callas, but also with objects that have been lent out, so that it now numbers around 1000 items.
Photo: Vangelis Patsialos
In October 2022, at the Music Library of the Athens Concert Hall, the couple Konstantinos and Viktoria Pilarinos (President and Member respectively of the Maria Callas Scholarship Association) honoured the Municipality of Athens with their trust by donating 50 unique Maria Callas objects from their personal collection.
In September 2023, the Maria Callas Hellenic Association showed its support to the Museum by donating to the Municipality of Athens important heirlooms in its possession. The donation contract was signed by the President of the Hellenic Association Maria Callas, Mrs. Liana Skourli and the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis.
