National Hellenic Museum

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National Hellenic Museum The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) is a public history museum whose mission is to share Greek history, art, and culture, and preserve the Greek American story.
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Through its collection and archives of more than 10,000 artifacts and oral histories, exhibitions, educational programs, and events, the Museum makes relevant connections to the Hellenic legacy for its audiences. We do this because we believe in the value of celebrating the threads that bind us together, across cultures, ideas, and miles. Founded in 1983, the Museum opened its landmark building in Chicago’s historic Greektown in 2011. It seeks to share the richness of the Hellenic legacy in a way that is accessible and inspiring for people of all ages and backgrounds.

We're thrilled to once again be a participant site for National Hellenic Museum for Open House Chicago this weekend, Oct...
10/15/2026

We're thrilled to once again be a participant site for National Hellenic Museum for Open House Chicago this weekend, October 17 and 18, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. And the best part? Admission is FREE!

Join us as we showcase our contemporary masterpiece of a building. Inspired by classical Greek and Byzantine influences, our building is a true marvel that you won't want to miss.

Visitors are invited to explore the entire Museum and each of its galleries, including the rooftop (weather permitting) at their own leisure. Guided tours will also be available at the top of every hour.

Additionally, we offer a special guest experience in our classroom studio where children and adults can participate in hands-on activities that connect ancient Greek culture to the present time. Activities include:

-Into the Modern: Using architectural forms found in Ancient Greek structures, as well as modern forms, visitors can create their own unique city skyline.

-Paint Like an Ancient Potter: Learn about traditional Greek motifs in Ancient Greek pottery, such as meanders, waves, and the symbolism of wheat and olive branches. Try your own hand at classical design using paint pens to decorate small clay pots.

From raw materials to remarkable works of art. ✨What began as discarded plastics, natural materials, and blocks of marbl...
10/13/2026

From raw materials to remarkable works of art. ✨

What began as discarded plastics, natural materials, and blocks of marble has been transformed into thought-provoking works of art.

Through creativity and craftsmanship, the artists of The Odyssey Reimagined breathe new life into unexpected materials, inviting us to see the familiar in an entirely new way.

Discover these transformations and more at the National Hellenic Museum.

📍The Odyssey Reimagined | Tickets available on our website!

A Year With The Odyssey Continues with Homerathon!Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:30-8:00 PM Friday, October 30, 2026 | ...
10/10/2026

A Year With The Odyssey Continues with Homerathon!

Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:30-8:00 PM
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Take part in the epic journey of The Odyssey and join us for Homerathon, as we partner with UIC Chicago’s Department of Classic and Mediterranean Studies to bring Homer’s timeless tale to life, read aloud, from beginning to end.

We’ll close out the first day with Homerathon Happy Hour. Stop by the museum after work, grab a drink, and read a passage from Homer’s epic poem, or settle in to listen, mingle, and enjoy the evening.

Sign up to read a passage or simply stop by to listen as the story unfolds. Everyone is welcome.

Sign up for your passage today at: https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2026/

REMINDER: THREE REMAINING SILENT AUCTION ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING There’s still time to bid on these three fantastic ...
10/09/2026

REMINDER: THREE REMAINING SILENT AUCTION ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING
There’s still time to bid on these three fantastic items from the National Hellenic Museum’s Gala! If you missed the Silent Auction or didn’t get a chance to bid at the event, place your bid now before it closes. Bid here: https://aesbid.com/NHM

BIDDING CLOSES MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026, 11:59 PM CT

Your winning bid supports the National Hellenic Museum and its mission to connect people of all generations to Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story.

Take part in the epic journey of The Odyssey and join us for Homerathon, as we partner with UIC Chicago’s Department of ...
10/08/2026

Take part in the epic journey of The Odyssey and join us for Homerathon, as we partner with UIC Chicago’s Department of Classic and Mediterranean Studies to bring Homer’s timeless tale to life, read aloud, from beginning to end.

Thursday, October 29, 2026; 12:30-8:00 PM

Friday, October 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Sign up to read a passage or simply stop by to listen as the story unfolds. Everyone is welcome.

We’ll close out the first day with Homerathon Happy Hour. Stop by the museum after work, grab a drink, and read a passage from Homer’s epic poem, or settle in to listen, mingle, and enjoy the evening.

Sign up for you passage today at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA9AC2CA4F8C07-63890475-homerathon #/

Connect, learn, and explore online with the NHM this October! 🍂 Join us from anywhere in the world as we dive into Greek...
10/07/2026

Connect, learn, and explore online with the NHM this October! 🍂

Join us from anywhere in the world as we dive into Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story—alongside a vibrant community of curious learners.

We’re excited to share our October lineup of online events, featuring engaging conversations on art, history, politics, Greek mythology, religion, culture, and more.

🏛️ Women in Homer | Tuesday, October 13 | 7:00 PM | NHM Online Discussions
Explore the unforgettable women of Homer, from Helen to Penelope, and how they shape epic, memory, power, and the ancient world.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-online-discussions-women-in-homer-tickets-1997459893311

📖️ Aivali: A Story of Greeks and Turks in 1922 by Soloúp | Thursday, October 15 | 7:00 PM | NHM Online Book Club
A powerful graphic novel about Greeks and Turks uprooted by the 1922 catastrophe and the memories left behind.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-book-club-aivali-a-story-of-greeks-and-turks-in-1922-by-soloup-tickets-1993847307971

📚️ Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan | Tuesday, October 20 | 7:00 PM | NHM Online Young Readers Book Club
Join us online for a book club journey through the world of Percy Jackson, where ancient Greek mythology comes alive in modern adventures, ages 10-14.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-readers-book-club-the-sea-of-monsters-tickets-2002815557246

🎬 “My Fair Lady” (1964) | Monday, October 26 | 7:00 PM | NHM Online Film Club
Join us for an engaging online film club discussion focused on the classic musical, inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion.
Note: Film will be discussed but not shown during the event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-online-film-club-my-fair-lady-1964-tickets-1994321669800

🏛️ Euripides and Homer | Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00 PM | NHM Online Discussions
Discover how Euripides reimagined Homeric heroes, turning epic legends into dramas of justice, suffering, and human complexity.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nhm-online-discussions-euripides-and-homer-tickets-2002226699958

Notes:
📸 Lead image is of a mask from Naoussa, Imathia from our collection. This mask would be worn during the Boules Carnival. https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/9540
🖼️ Book cover and poster images are used only to identify the work being discussed. All rights remain with their owners. These events are independent National Hellenic Museum programs and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the authors, publishers, studios, or other rights holders.

We're thrilled to announce that the National Hellenic Museum is opening its doors for Open House Chicago on October 17 a...
10/06/2026

We're thrilled to announce that the National Hellenic Museum is opening its doors for Open House Chicago on October 17 and 18, from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. And the best part? Admission is FREE!

Join us as we showcase our contemporary masterpiece of a building. Inspired by classical Greek and Byzantine influences, our building is a true marvel that you won't want to miss.

Visitors are invited to explore the entire Museum and each of its galleries, including the rooftop (weather permitting) at their own leisure. Guided tours will also be available at the top of every hour.

Additionally, we offer a special guest experience in our classroom studio where children and adults can participate in hands-on activities that connect ancient Greek culture to the present time. Activities include:

🏛 Into the Modern: Using architectural forms found in Ancient Greek structures, as well as modern forms, visitors can create their own unique city skyline.

If you missed the Silent Auction or didn’t get a chance to bid at the Gala, we’re offering three items for bidding for a...
10/06/2026

If you missed the Silent Auction or didn’t get a chance to bid at the Gala, we’re offering three items for bidding for a limited time.

Your winning bid supports the National Hellenic Museum and its mission to connect people of all generations to Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story.

BIDDING CLOSES MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026, 11:59 PM CT

Place your bid today at: https://aesbid.com/NHM

A large and enthusiastic crowd joined us for a special preview of The Odyssey Reimagined exhibition, bringing together a...
10/06/2026

A large and enthusiastic crowd joined us for a special preview of The Odyssey Reimagined exhibition, bringing together artists, art enthusiasts, Philhellenes, families, friends and Museum supporters to celebrate this contemporary reimagining of Homer’s epic.

Curated by Cortney Lederer and Sydney Gush of CNL Projects, The Odyssey Reimagined features 16 contemporary artists exploring the enduring themes of Homer’s Odyssey through painting, sculpture, photography, textiles and sound. Through themes of homecoming, belonging, love, loyalty, adversity and the choices we make, the exhibition brings an ancient story into new conversations, connecting past and present.

We are deeply grateful to all 16 participating artists for sharing their work, creativity and distinctive perspectives with us.

Kyriakos Alexandros • Jyl Bonaguro • Judith Brotman • Jenny Chi • Patricia Markos Dolan • Serena JV Elston • John Fotiadis • Yianna Foufas • Industry of the Ordinary • Gina Lee Robbins • Cydney M. Lewis • Rich Lo • Mina Papatheodorou Valyraki • Allison Svoboda • Diane Thodos • Kelsey Merreck Wagner

The Odyssey Reimagined is on view at the National Hellenic Museum through January 2028 and is included with Museum admission.

Generously sponsored by the John P. Calamos Foundation and the Christ N. Dalamares Family.

Thank you to the generous sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers for making the 2026 National Hellenic Museum Gala suc...
10/05/2026

Thank you to the generous sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers for making the 2026 National Hellenic Museum Gala such a special evening in support of the Museum.

With more than 550 guests gathered at the Hilton Chicago, the room was filled with the spirit of connection that embodies what we create at the Museum—a place where everyone is invited and welcomed, and where Greek history, art, and culture bring people together.

We are especially grateful to NHM Chairman John P. Calamos, Sr], the Gala Chairman and NHM Vice Chairman Demitrios (Jim) Logothetis, the Gala Committee, and the many volunteers whose leadership, generosity, and hard work made the evening possible. We were also honored to have Alex Maragos as our emcee, bringing warmth, energy, and grace to the evening.

Together with NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures, our Chairman and Gala Chairman spoke about the larger purpose behind the Museum’s work: creating opportunities for people to encounter this rich history, bring their own stories and perspectives to it, and discover the connections that bind us together.

The evening culminated with a performance by Giorgos Tsalikis who brought tremendous energy and joy to the room and filled the dance floor. His appearance was generously sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest C. Karras and John & Martha Cannis.

The 2026 Gala was made possible by the generosity of donors at every level. We extend special thanks to our lead sponsors:

Diamond Sponsors

Calamos Investments: John P. Calamos, Sr. and John S. Koudounis

Republic Bank and the Halikias Family

Gold Sponsors

John and Mae Calamos via The John P. Calamos Foundation

The John S. Koudounis Family

The Parthenis Family and Grecian Delight

Silver Sponsors

Metropoulos Family Foundation

Michael and Robin Psaros and Family

Cathy and George Sakellaris Family Foundation

Address

Chicago, IL

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13126551234

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