A new museum dedicated to Odysseas Elytis, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979, has opened its doors in Athens. The institution highlights the life and work of the poet, celebrating Greece’s rich literary and artistic heritage.
Greece inaugurates a new museum honoring one of its greatest poets, Odysseas Elytis, who received the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979. Located in the heart of Athens, in the historic Plaka district, the museum occupies a post-war residence, accompanied by two annexes. With a budget of 657,200 euros, this ambitious project aims to create a cultural center dedicated to the poet’s life and work.
The museum layout is designed to offer visitors an immersive experience in Elytis's universe. Exhibition spaces include a faithful recreation of his study, displaying his personal belongings, along with a chronological presentation of his 52 published works. Additional areas are dedicated to his manuscripts and artistic collages, reflecting the richness of his creative expression.
Beyond static displays, the museum also features modern installations to foster public interaction. A multi-purpose hall will host lectures and cultural events, while a café with a stunning view of the Acropolis allows visitors to relax and soak in the ambiance. Multimedia spaces offer interviews and poetry recitations, bringing Elytis’s work to life.
Born in 1911 in Heraklion and passing away in 1996, Odysseas Elytis left a profound mark on Greek and European poetry in the 20th century. His most famous work, Axion Esti, is regarded as one of the most iconic compositions in Greek art. Set to music by renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, it is sung by Greeks everywhere, embodying the modern human struggle for freedom and creativity.
A member of the “Generation of the 1930s,” a movement of Greek intellectuals who influenced the country’s literature and arts in the 20th century, Elytis, according to the Swedish Academy, "depicted, against the background of Greek tradition, with sensual strength and clear-sightedness, the modern man's struggle for freedom and creativity.” His poems praise the nature and light that flood the Greek islands and the Aegean Sea.
The museum's inauguration, held on Friday evening, was led by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in attendance. For the minister, the museum represents "a minimal tribute we can pay to this great Greek poet who honored Greece and the Greek language.”
Odysseas Elytis is the second Greek to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, after George Seferis in 1963. The opening of this museum reflects Greece's commitment to celebrating and preserving its rich literary and artistic heritage while making it accessible to the public. Visitors can now discover or rediscover Elytis’s work, which so perfectly embodies the spirit and beauty of Greece.
With AFP
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