Tuesday, April 8, 2014
- Railway museum at old Athens-Peloponnese Railway Station
The railway station was built in the period 1884-1889 by a group of French civil engineers. In 1912-1913 architect Ernst Ziller gave to the building its final form. In 1985, the elaborate building was declared work of art and a characteristic example of the Greek railway architecture.
The building combines the principle of neoclassicism and art nouveau. Ornaments dated back to the 19th century remain in their position for the visitor to see. Fireplaces from marble, gas lights, the wooden clock and the ticket booth are at a perfect condition.
Recordings of Maria Callas (1923-1977), the soprano who left an indelible mark in opera globally, will greet and accompany visitors to a museum dedicated to her life in downtown Athens that is expected to open in 2015.
- Maria Callas Museum
The plans for the Maria Callas Museum were unveiled at a press conference by the Mayor of Athens George Kaminis. The building which will house the museum, in central Athens is under historical preservation status and was purchased by the state in 2010. According to Athens Mayor, it will be ready for the public in 2015. "This museum is the least the city may do to honour this exceptional interpreter, the great opera diva," Kaminis said. "It is a museum that is not addressed just to opera fans, but mostly to those not familiar with the opera," he added.
The museum will focus on giving a sense of the atmosphere of the theatre, with stage sets and a background of Callas' voice; a historical context of her era, and a timeline of her life. Most of the exhibits will come from the Technopolis' collection; though loans and gifts will also be accepted by agencies and individuals. The plans also foresee be a café - La Divina - and a shop. A library and special listening area will also be included, as will another area for recitals and small-scale concerts.
