International Museum Day 2018: Free Admission to Greek Museums on May 18

Photo Source: National Archaeological Museum

Museums across Greece will celebrate International Museum Day on Friday, May 18, with free admission and a number of cultural events, under the theme “Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics”.

Initiated in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the aim of International Museum Day is to raise awareness on the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange. In 2017, more than 36,000 museums participated in the event in some 157 countries.

This year’s theme focuses on the integral role of the internet in the relations between museums around the world. “The continuous increase of visitors calls for the strong interconnection of museums with the other organizations and the public. Furthermore, new approaches are needed to promote the museum experience through social media,” the Greek branch of ICOM said in an announcement.

Honored Museum for 2018: OTE Telecommunications Museum

On the occasion of International Museum Day 2018, the Greek branch of ICOM will honor the OTE Telecommunications Museum, which is operated by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization OTE SA in Athens.

A special event will be held on May 18, at 7pm, within the museum’s premises in the northern suburb of Nea Kifissia, which will include short speeches, guided tours and music performances. Also, from May 17-20, the museum will host guided tours, educational programs and workshops, as well as many activities for people of all ages.

Photo Source: OTE Telecommunications Museum

Visitors will be able to explore the museum’s permanent exhibition galleries, which include some 25,000 exhibits and archives, ranging from telephone and telegram devices of the 19^th century; a collection of rare telegrams sent between 1856 and the present day; Marconi’s transmitters and material related to the history of OTE.

Photo Source: OTE Telecommunications Museum

Moreover, from May 12 to June 20, museums and cultural organizations across Greece will hold numerous exhibitions and educational programs, among many other events. To view the program of events (in Greek) press here.

For a complete list of all the museums in Greece, press here.