About Benaki museum
Benaki Museum: A Treasure Trove of Greek Art and Culture
The Benaki Museum is a world-renowned museum located in Athens, Greece. It was founded by Antonis Benakis in memory of his father Emmanuel Benakis, a prominent Greek businessman and philanthropist. The museum's mission is to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Greece through its extensive collection of art and artifacts.
Identity
The Benaki Museum is one of the oldest museums in Greece, with a history dating back to 1930. It has since grown into one of the most important cultural institutions in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world. The museum's collection spans over 9,000 years of Greek history and includes artifacts from prehistoric times to modern-day Greece.
Collections
The museum's collections are divided into several categories, including Byzantine art, Islamic art, Chinese art, European art, modern Greek art, folk art and costumes. Each category showcases unique pieces that reflect different aspects of Greek culture throughout history.
One notable collection is the Byzantine Art Collection which features rare icons dating back to the 4th century AD. These icons are considered some of the finest examples of Byzantine religious art in existence today.
Another highlight is the Islamic Art Collection which includes ceramics, textiles and metalwork from various regions such as Persia (Iran), Egypt and Syria. These objects provide insight into Islamic culture during different periods throughout history.
Virtual Tour
Visitors can take a virtual tour on their website where they can explore each gallery at their own pace without leaving their homes or offices! This feature allows people who cannot visit Athens physically to experience what it feels like walking through this magnificent institution.
Archives
The archives section contains documents related to various aspects such as exhibitions held at Benaki Museum or research conducted by scholars on specific topics related to Greek culture or history.
Exhibitions
Benaki Museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing different aspects of Greek culture and history. These exhibitions are curated by experts in their respective fields and provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about specific topics in-depth.
Events
The museum also hosts various events such as lectures, concerts, film screenings and workshops throughout the year. These events are designed to engage visitors with different aspects of Greek culture and history.
Publications
Benaki Museum publishes books on various topics related to Greek art, culture and history. These publications are written by experts in their respective fields and provide readers with an in-depth understanding of specific topics.
Museum Shop
The museum shop offers a wide range of products inspired by the collections at Benaki Museum. Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as postcards, magnets or replicas of artifacts found within the museum's galleries.
Educational Programmes
Benaki Museum offers educational programmes for children and adults alike. These programmes include guided tours, workshops on traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery-making, lectures on specific topics related to Greek culture or history etc.
Library
The library section contains over 50,000 volumes related to various aspects such as art history or archaeology. It is open to researchers who wish to conduct research on specific topics related to Greece's cultural heritage.
Departments
Benaki Museum has several departments that work together towards achieving its mission of preserving Greece's cultural heritage. These departments include conservation & restoration department which is responsible for preserving artifacts found within the museum's galleries; research department which conducts research on various aspects such as art history or archaeology; education department which designs educational programmes for children & adults alike etc.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Benaki Museum is a treasure trove of Greek art & culture that showcases over 9 millennia worth of artifacts from prehistoric times up until modern-day Greece! Its extensive collection provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about different aspects of Greece's rich cultural heritage through its galleries, exhibitions, events, publications and educational programmes. The museum's mission is to preserve and promote Greece's cultural heritage for future generations to come.