The re-exhibition of the masterpieces of the Elefsina Archaeological Museum was inaugurated by the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni. This is one of the first archaeological museums of Greece, which reflects the museum and architectural concepts of its time. The re-exhibition aims to modernize the museological approach and exhibition presentation, to transmit the scientific discourse in an understandable way, to upgrade the communication dynamics and educational function of the exhibition through the use of audiovisual media, in order to revive domestic and international interest in Elefsina and its history.

As Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni said in her welcome address, “Implementing the relevant commitment of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture and Sports proceeded with the acquisition of the building complex of the Olive Oil Factory, in order to house the New Archaeological Museum of Elefsina, as well as hosting actions of contemporary artistic expression. A few days ago, the Council of Museums gave a positive opinion on the building plan for the new museum, with an area of approximately 4,500 square metres, and preliminary steps have already been taken to launch the tender for the necessary studies by the summer. However, until the long-standing demand for the New Museum takes shape, the Ministry has proceeded with the necessary actions for the upgrading of the infrastructure, the re-exhibition of the permanent collection and the enrichment of the audiovisual and visual aids, and the overall upgrading of the visitors’ experience of the existing Archaeological Museum, which is organically linked to the Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Demeter and Cora, where the Great Mysteries were performed for centuries. The building core of the Museum dates back to the end of the 19th century, one of the oldest in Greece, with subsequent additions, modifications and repairs of various periods, the last of which was made after the great earthquake of 1999. For the realization of this absolutely necessary and important project, which is today attributed to the general public, many Services of the Ministry of Culture and Sports worked hard and methodically, led by the Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica. However, the project could not have been completed in time, if it were not for the valuable and decisive contribution of the Pavlos and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation, which with a donation of 500,000 € not only assisted the Ministry financially, but also acted as a catalyst in shortening the implementation time of the project.

https://www.culture.gov.gr/el/Information/SitePages/view.aspx?nID=4513

A great achievement for the Cerebral Palsy Greece / Open Door was celebrated on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at the Education & Rehabilitation Centre “OPEN DOOR”, in Argyroupoli, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Archbishop of Athens & All Greece, representatives of the government, charitable organizations, and many distinguished friends who have supported the work of OPEN DOOR over the years.

The ceremony was opened by the “Coro Piccolo” Choir of Open Door, followed by the greeting of the President and founding member of the Cerebral Palsy Greece / Open Door, Daphne Economou, who spoke about the 50-year project, the people and events that inspired it, and the achievements – milestones in the field of welfare for people with cerebral palsy.

Greetings of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou followed. A short video by the award-winning director Marianna Economou was shown, which presented the history of the Society from its foundation until today.

Attendees had also the opportunity to attend a special panel, in which a young service recipient, a mother, an executive and a volunteer shared their experiences and the lifelong relationship they have created over the years with the Cerebral Palsy Greece / Open Door. The award-winning theatre group of Open Door, “The Tuesday Troupe” presented the performance “A Brave, New World”, based on Antonin Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

The presentation of Honorary Distinctions followed, where Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation was honoured for its long-standing support of the work performed at Open Door. The Honorary Distinction was received by the President of the Foundation, Nellos Canellopoulos.

The event concluded with the Open Door Choir and the entire theatre group on stage singing the wonderful “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban, closing this very special day.