200 years of Greek Independence at the Hellenic Museum, Melbourne

On the evening of the 25th March 2021 community leaders and philhellenes came together at the Hellenic Museum to mark 200 Years of Greek Independence.

Guests gathered in the forecourt of the Hellenic Museum, housed within the former Royal Mint, sipping Mastiha and Ouzo cocktails whilst re-enactors kept guard in traditional dress.

Once inside the Museum a variety of activations sparked the curiosity of our guests, with poetry reading drawing guests into a newly curated exhibition space or upstairs towards an acoustic band and virtual reality experience.

Guests were brought back together as a group of dancers entered the building and led the guests into the garden with the solemn Dance of Zolongo.

Guests were welcomed by Hellenic Museum CEO and Head of Curation Sarah Craig and listened to His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Jervis, Greek Consul General Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Ros Spence and Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Mr. Neil Angus who shared the importance of the moment whilst illuminating the positive impact the Greek Community has had in Australia.

Following the speeches, re-enactors performed the Dance of the Dead before the band continued to play key pieces of music which can only be described as historic and heroic.

Bahari provided the menu and beverages were supplied by Hellenic Wine and Spirits.

“Reflecting on the past, understanding how it has informed our present and consciously realising how these lessons and experiences inform our future is an important thread which brings purpose to the Hellenic Museum,” said Hellenic Museum CEO and Head of Curation Sarah Craig.

About the exhibition: The exhibition explores events leading up to, during and after the War of Independence. It includes costumes, books, coins, jewellery and film all on loan from Greek Australian collectors in Melbourne. The exhibition will be running for the next six months.

The Hellenic Museum thank the sponsors that contributed to this event: Bank of Sydney, Greg Kailis Family, Windsor Insurance, Ktena Knitting Mills, Marble Centre Exclusive, Stelios Angelodemou Family, Cretan Federation of Australian and New Zealand, Greek National Day Committee.