National Hellenic Museum Unveils Striking New Home
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The National Hellenic Museum has a new place and new space that will be unveiled this weekend in Chicago.
As WBBM Newsradio's Felicia Middlebrooks reports, the official ribbon-cutting was held Thursday for the new and improved museum in Chicago's historic Greektown.
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The museum had been located for several years on the fourth floor of the office building over the Greek Islands Restaurant, 801 W. Adams St., but has now opened its new headquarters at 333 S. Halsted St., at the intersection with Van Buren Street.
"This museum is for everyone, because all of us have our roots in ancient Greek history," said museum executive director Stephanie Vlahakis. "It was Homer who launched the art of storytelling with the Iliad and the Odyssey stories that went on to influence and define western culture, and really, we're all Greek, because our laws, our language, our literature all had their roots in Greece."
The museum is open now, but the official opening is on Saturday, when the exhibit "Gods, Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece" will be unveiled.
The museum also features the exhibit "In Search of Home: The Greek Journey from Myth to Modern Day," which will trace Greek history and the Greek-American experience.
"This is not just a Greek museum, it's a tribute for the City of Chicago," said Ald. Walter Burnett (27th).
In inaugural ball will be held for the official opening on Saturday.
