Go Behind the Scenes at the National Hellenic Museum

Preview the Permanent Exhibit, In Search of Home

CHICAGO —  Before the National Hellenic Museum’s permanent exhibition In Search of Home: The Greek Journey From Myth to Modern Day opens in 2012, guests can enjoy a “behind-the-scenes” preview of the Museum’s signature experience located in the Halikias Family Exhibition Gallery.

Through a series of interactive participatory experiences, the preview also demonstrates how Museum curators research, design and construct exhibits while inviting guests to participate in the design process and learn more about the Greek legacy.

The preview begins by immersing guests in the creative process with a larger-than-life “mood board” showcasing inspiring images and significant elements of Greek culture. Some elements throughout the 5,000 square-foot preview exhibit are designed to provide feedback and shape the final experience while other activities demonstrate interactive components planned for the permanent exhibition:

• Pick and choose from images to design a collage that tells your own story and make a copy to take home. Guests to the permanent exhibit will be able to create a digital collage and see their work featured on display.
• Scan QR codes to see how the Museum conserves artifacts, get directions to the last continuously owned Greek candy store in Chicago and download a list of Greektown restaurants.
• Dabble in the ancient Greek language by communicating via Greek pictograms.
• Place super-imposed images of old Greektown, the Eisenhower Expressway’s construction and the University of Illinois at Chicago on a Museum window.
• Scroll through the exhibition database, some of which will be featured in the permanent exhibit.
• Explore design renderings and concept art illustrating the curator’s thought process.

About In Search of Home: The Greek Journey from Myth to Modern Day

In Search of Home is the National Hellenic Museum’s signature permanent exhibition opening in 2012. Made possible in part by Paula and Peter Fasseas, In Search of Home sweeps visitors into the Hellenic Story – from ancient times to the modern Greek American experience – and shows them how their own lives are influenced by this story to this day. Through immersive environments, interactive components and cutting-edge technology, the exhibit explores the significant contributions Hellenism has made – from rich storytelling to the pillars of democracy. The exhibit also tells the story of Greek Americans, though visitors of all backgrounds will be able to trace elements of Hellenism in their own story, giving everyone a greater appreciation for the Greek legacy.

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