A new museum dedicated to legendary Greek opera singer Maria Callas will open in Athens next summer, coinciding with the 100-year anniversary since the artist’s birth.
The news was announced by Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis in October during a special ceremony to welcome 50 of Callas’ personal items donated to the city by Konstantinos and Victoria Pylarinos.
The first of its kind in the world, the Maria Callas Museum is set to open in the heart of the Greek capital. It will be located on Mitropoleos Street in a renovated neoclassical building which used to function as a hotel.
The museum will exhibit historical material, audio archives, rare recordings and a unique collection of records and personal items. Visitors will also have the chance to experience the late Callas through interactive applications.
Speaking at the ceremony Bakoyannis said it was time for Athens to honor its diva.
“I am moved not only because Athens is honoring its diva with a special museum that will be ready next summer, but also because the collection of exhibits today grows even more thanks to this touching donation,” he said.
The mayor thanked Konstantinos and Viktoria Pylarinos for their donation, adding that despite having received similar proposals from Paris, New York and other big cities, they selected Athens.
