National Hellenic Museum

08/31/2026

How does Nolan’s Odyssey portray women differently from Homer’s epic poem?

In this clip from our panel discussion following our special screening of The Odyssey, Dr. Krishni Burns (University of Illinois Chicago) explores the representation of women in Homer’s epic and Nolan’s adaptation.

The panel discussion goes beyond questions of representation, touching on psychological themes, cinematic visuals, and the many ways an ancient story can be reimagined for a modern audience.

🎥 Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/qoXhF63iG_c?si=wjW61NvYguG5NRs6

Our panel discussion explores what happens when Homer’s Odyssey is reimagined for the screen—from the representation of women and questions of gender, agency, and authorship.

If this conversation has you thinking differently about the women of The Odyssey, join us to keep the conversation going!

📖 Come to the Museum October 29–30 for our Homerathon, a two-day marathon reading of Homer’s Odyssey. Stop in to listen or sign up to read a selection from the epic yourself. Learn more here: https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2026/

08/31/2026

Take a look at the energy, excitement, and celebration of last year's Gala - then join us for an extraordinary Gala 2026.

Purchase your tickets and sponsorships at: https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/gala2026/

08/28/2026

Xenia (ξενία) is a central theme in Homer’s epic, but as Dr. Germán Campos-Muñoz (Northwestern University) explains in this clip, the concept is more complex—encompassing both strangeness and hospitality—creating a tension that can be difficult to fully explore within the confines of a film.

How does Nolan navigate this ancient idea in his adaptation?

🎥 Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/qoXhF63iG_c?si=Nc7wKaMSoO4rHqIs

Our panel discussion explores what happens when Homer’s Odyssey is reimagined for the screen—from the ancient concepts like xenia to the limits of cinematic adaptations.

If this conversation has you thinking more deeply about the ancient world—and the stories it continues to inspire—join us to keep the conversation going!

📖 Come to the Museum October 29–30 for our Homerathon, a two-day marathon reading of Homer’s Odyssey. Stop in to listen or sign up to read a selection from the epic yourself. Learn more here: https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2026/

08/26/2026

Why do we return to The Odyssey?

In this clip from our panel discussion following our special screening of The Odyssey, Dr. Krishni Burns (University of Illinois Chicago) considers the way this film will impact our experience with Homer's Odyssey and invites you to join us at the Homerathon, a marathon reading of the Odyssey.

🎥 Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoXhF63iG_c

📖 If you've seen the film, and now you want to dive into Homer's epic poem, join us for Homerathon, as we partner with UIC Chicago’s Department of Classic and Mediterranean Studies to bring Homer’s Odyssey to life, read aloud together.

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

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

Stop in to listen or sign up to read a selection from the epic yourself. Learn more here: https://nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2026/

08/24/2026

On August 1, 2026, the National Hellenic Museum co-presented a special screening of The Odyssey at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, followed by a lively post-film panel discussion.

We’re grateful to our panel of scholars for sharing their insights on Christopher Nolan’s adaptation and its relationship to Homer’s epic.

In this clip, Dr. Young Kim (University of Illinois Chicago) reflects on the nature of myth and adaptation: if myth is storytelling, then no single retelling is more “authentic” than another, every new version becomes part of the story.

🎥 Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube and join the conversation about Homer, myth, and what it means to retell an ancient story today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoXhF63iG_c

08/18/2026

Final Weeks to See Gather Together

Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White closes on Sunday, September 6

Featuring more than 80 historic photographs, the exhibition captures Greek Independence Day celebrations alongside festivals, parades, and gatherings across Chicago’s many communities.

The Museum is grateful to Diane for sharing her images, memories, and extraordinary body of work. Throughout the exhibition, she has also given her time to lead tours and connect directly with visitors to share the stories behind her technique and photographs.

Although Gather Together is ending, Diane’s photography remains on view at the Museum in Storytelling in Cloth and Light and Cyprus: 1974, including images documenting Chicago’s Greek American response to the 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

Visit the National Hellenic Museum before September 6 for your final opportunity to experience Gather Together. Guided tours are available by appointment Monday–Sunday. To schedule a tour, please call 312-544-1221 or email [email protected].

Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White is generously sponsored by The Christ N. Dalmares Family.

08/17/2026

Last Saturday, the National Hellenic Museum came alive with the vibrant rhythms and soul of Greece as more than 100 guests of all ages gathered to celebrate Greek music from the traditional to the contemporary. From the very first note to the final applause, the energy in the room was truly magical.

A heartfelt thank you to Nyxtes Magikes, whose energy and talent brought the vibrant sounds and spirit of live Greek music to the heart of Greektown with their beautiful live music, and to more than 100 guests that made the night so memorable.

The Museum is a vibrant public square, a place where people come together across generations and cultures to discover the experiences and ideas that bind us together. Saturday night was a wonderful expression of that spirit.

Your continued support of the National Hellenic Museum and its mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story in ways that are relevant and meaningful today makes evenings like this possible. Thank you!

08/17/2026

On June 10, 2026, the National Hellenic Museum presented “Greek Citizenship – Everything You Need to Know,” in partnership with the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago, ENOSIS Federation of Illinois, and the Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois. The evening featured an excellent and informative presentation from Consul Georgia Tasiopoulou on how Greeks in the diaspora can apply for Greek citizenship, what types of documents are required, and how the process works.

🇬🇷 This recording is an invaluable resource for anyone considering applying for Greek citizenship and looking to better understand the process and requirements.

We invite you to watch the recording and continue the conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axk8-RLhxYU

Please share this resource with anyone who is looking for more information about getting their Greek Citizenship.

On June 10, 2026, the National Hellenic Museum presented “Greek Cit...

08/15/2026

We're still on for tonight but due to ongoing rain in the Chicagoland area, we are moving tonight's Summer Sunset Concert featuring Nyxtes Magikes into Calamos Great Hall.

The music will still be great, the food and drinks delicious, and the atmosphere enticing.

We have a few tickets left for purchase so click the link to get yours!

See you tonight!

Purchase Tickets: https://29215.blackbaudhosting.com/29215/NHM-Summer-Sunset-Concert

08/14/2026

📚 What we’re reading… from the Museum Library!

After our special screening of The Odyssey, we’ve been thinking a lot about epic journeys, homecomings, heroes, and all things Homeric. 🌊⚔️

Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for a special Staff Picks Book Club Discussion, where we’ll be diving into Madeline Miller’s “The Song of Achilles” one of our favorite Homeric adaptations.

Until then… what’s on your reading list? 📖