Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the restored and modernised National Gallery in Athens over the weekend, accompanied by Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni.
Mitsotakis toured the hall with paintings presenting scenes from the 1821 Greek War of Independence and other rooms hosting modern Greek artworks.
The PM referred to "spectacular result" that "reflects the love for a museum that symbolises the history of the modern Greek State."
Mitsotakis will host a tour of the Gallery with his official guests who will visit Athens on March 24-25 for the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution.
Επισκέφτηκα την εντυπωσιακή, ανακαινισμένη Εθνική Πινακοθήκη. Το χρονοδιάγραμμα τηρήθηκε και οι εργασίες θα έχουν ολοκληρωθεί για την επέτειο της 25ης Μαρτίου. Όταν αφήσουμε πίσω μας την πανδημία, θα κάνουμε τα επίσημα εγκαίνια της Πινακοθήκης με τη λαμπρότητα που της αρμόζει. pic.twitter.com/98Tch9B4dQ
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) March 20, 2021
“The (official) inauguration of the renovated National Gallery, which places Athens among the world capitals hosting major art museums and its offerings to the Greek and international art-loving public will take place as soon as health conditions allow,” said Mendoni.
President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou also visited the Gallery ahead of its partial relaunch.
"The National Gallery, the ark of the parallel course of the Greek state and its painting, is now housed, after the completion of the reconstruction and expansion works, in a modern and functional building," she posted on Instagram.
"This work is a jewel in Athens, an oasis of culture, a breeze of optimism that we so much need at this time, the best way to start our anniversary celebrations for the 200 years of the Greek Revolution," Sakellaropoulou concluded.
Τhe area of the National Gallery now exceeds 20,700 square meters.
*More on GCT: Photos of the heroes of the 1821 Revolution adorn major street in Athens
