National Hellenic Museum’s Grand Opening Calendar Listing

The Newest Thing in Ancient History Opens in Greektown

WHAT:

Beginning December 10, Chicagoans can discover the newest thing in ancient history with the grand opening of the city’s newest world-class cultural institution, the National Hellenic Museum. The only major museum in the U.S. dedicated to the Greek journey, the Museum explores the story of Greek history, culture and arts from ancient times to today. Visitors to the all-new, four-story, 40,000-square foot Museum can:

• Take an interactive journey through the ancient world at Gods, Myths & Mortals: Discovering Ancient Greece, located in the John P. Calamos, Sr. Great Hall. Meet famous Greek gods, experience ancient daily life and enjoy 25 family-friendly experiences, including climbing a 13-foot tall Trojan Horse, discovering which Greek god you are most like, matching wits with Aristotle in a challenging game of 20 questions, and marveling at a working replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, believed to be the world’s oldest computer.
• Preview In Search of Home: The Greek Journey From Myth to Modern Day. Located in the Halikias Family Exhibition Gallery, guests can explore this “behind-the-scenes” preview designed to showcase the Museum’s signature permanent exhibit scheduled to open in 2012. The preview also demonstrates how curators research, design and construct exhibits while inviting guests to participate in the design process and learn more about the Greek legacy.
• Explore the Gus & Mary Stathis Library and Resource Center. The 2,800-square-foot library is a popular place for visiting scholars, students and guests interested in accessing a comprehensive collection of Greek American history.
• Take in a panoramic view of Greektown and Chicago’s iconic skyline on the rooftop terrace.

WHEN:

Open Tuesdays – Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday evenings 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

WHERE:

National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago

TICKETS:

$10/adults, $8/seniors and students, and $7 for kids ages 3-12. Members and children under the age of 3 are always free.

TRANSIT:

Walking distance from the CTA Blue Line’s UIC-Halsted station, and the CTA Bus Route 8 – Halsted.

PARKING:

Privately managed parking lots are available within walking distance of the Museum.

The National Hellenic Museum’s mission is to preserve and explore Hellenism and to chronicle the Greek American journey through exhibitions, oral histories, archival collections and education programs. Our purpose is to inspire in people of all backgrounds a curiosity for their own story through a greater connection to Greek history, culture and the arts. Located at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren in the heart of Chicago’s famed Greektown, the Museum celebrates its grand opening in December 2011. For more information, visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

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Media Contacts:
Veronica Jackson
PCI
312/558-1770, ext. 128
vjackson@pcipr.com