On May 18, International Museum Day is celebrated all over the world with topics related to museums and the protection of cultural heritage. For 2023 the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has chosen the theme “Museums, Sustainability and Well-Being “.
By choosing this specific theme, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) seeks to highlight the role and power of museums to contribute to the achievement of the goals of sustainability and the improvement of the quality of life of society as a whole. By highlighting cultural and natural heritage, as well as modern creation, museums contribute significantly to improving the quality of life. As reliable institutions, with particular prestige in society as a whole, they have the ability to promote the goals of sustainable development by supporting actions to tackle climate change. In 2023, International Museum Day will focus on the following themes: I. Global health and quality of life, II. Action on climate change, and III. Life on Earth: protecting biodiversity.
The Museum of Byzantine Culture with this rationale and in collaboration with the Numismatic Museum participates in the celebration of the International Museum Day focusing on the contribution of museums to the issues of Sustainability and Well-Being with the exhibition “PHOENIX – AGON” in the periodical exhibition wing “Kyriakos Krokos” from June 8 to September 13, 2023. An important element is the reuse and recycling of materials that contribute to the circular economy, as well as the continuous struggles that ensure freedom and prosperity.
It is a visual dialogue between more recent artifacts of the Numismatic Museum and contemporary artistic creations, which is structured in two sections:
1. “PHOENIX”. Coins, Medals, two unique, worldwide, Dies and Seals of Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias with the reborn palm tree will converse with the creations “Rebirth” of the sculptor Aphroditis Lyti made of metal features and glass mosaic tesserae, and “Phoenix” of the artist Giorgos Bardakas made of recycled materials, proving how a sculpture can be reborn from “rubbish”.
2. “AGON”. Medals, Commendations and unique, worldwide, Dies of King Otto I bearing figures of male and female fighters from Greek Revolution of 1821 will converse with paintings by the artist Nikos Tsiaparas inspired by them, highlighting in the best way the sustainable struggle for independence and freedom of individuals and peoples.
Responsible for the exhibition: Dr. Agathoniki Tsilipakou – Dr. Georgios Kakavas
Collaborating institution: Numismatic Museum
Under the auspices of the Greek Section of the International Council of Museums (ICOM)

• Press release