Sneak peek “In Search of Home”
December 29, 2011
An unfinished exhibit slowly reveals itself.
By Web Behrens
Time Out Chicago
December 29, 2011-January 11, 2012 edition
After years of planning, the National Hellenic Museum which claims to be the first and only U.S. Institution devoted to Greek history, heritage and culture formally unveiled its grand new home in Greektown in early December. Curators imported a delightful all-ages exhibit, “Gods, Myths & Mortals: Discovering Ancient Greece; for the opening (highlights include a 13-foot-tall Trojan horse you can climb inside).
Those not in the jungle-gym spirit can head up to the second floor to preview the museum’s first permanent exhibit, “In Search of Home: The Greek Journey from Myth to Modern Day ~ Still being completed, the exhibition will contain displays such as the re-creation of local, Greek-owned Alex’s Candy Shop down to the candy wrapping paper.
For now, the permanent exhibit’s walls filled with photos, TV screens and art include graffiti-style annotations from the curators. Although the handwritten notes are clearly designed (at least in part) with the general public in mind, it still feels like a neat opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into an exhibit in progress.
The National Hellenic Museum (333 S Halsted St; 312-655-1234, www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org) Is open Tue 10am-8pm; Wed-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat, Sun 11am-5pm.
