National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Celebrates International Museum Day
Athens, May 22, 2026 – The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) commemorated International Museum Day with a special event held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Museum of Archaeology and History of Art, located at the School of Philosophy on the Zografou Campus. The event, titled ‘University of Athens Museums Bring Science and Society Together’, gathered academics, museum directors, and cultural heritage professionals to discuss the evolving role of university museums.
Opening Remarks and Welcome Addresses
The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the University of Athens. He highlighted the transformative role of museums today, stating, ‘They are active interlocutors of the present and valuable allies of the future.’ Professor Siasos emphasized that technological advancements are reshaping the museum landscape, urging these institutions to strengthen their role as vital pillars of development and agents of societal change. Following the Rector’s address, a welcome speech was given by Vice-Rector, Professor Sophia Papaioannou, underscoring the university’s commitment to its museums.
Key Presentations and Discussions
The program featured a series of insightful talks that explored various facets of university museums and their contributions:
- Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis, Deputy Chair of the Administration Council and President of the Company for the Development and Management of the Property of the University of Athens, spoke on ‘University Museums: Prospects and Development’.
- Professor Platon Petridis, Chair of the Department of History and Archaeology and Director of the Museum of Archaeology and History of Art, presented ‘The Museum of Archaeology and History of Art Looking to the Future’.
- Assistant Professor of Museology Marlen Mouliou discussed ‘The University of Athens Museums as a Constellation: Connections Across Fields With Vision and Meaning’.
- Professor Efstratios Valakos of the Department of Biology and Director of the Museum of Zoology delivered a talk titled ‘The Museum of Zoology at the University of Athens: Shedding Light on Animal Diversity as It Unfolds Over Time’.
- Former Assistant Professor of Physical Anthropology Konstantinos Merdenisianos addressed the audience on ‘The Museum of Anthropology at the University of Athens Medical School and Its Contribution to Research on Human Evolution’.
- Dr Vassileios Tsetsos, Managing Director of Museotek SA, explored the theme ‘Museum Education for All Through Technology’.
- The event concluded with a presentation by Dr Evangelos Papoulias, Head of the Department of Museums and the Historical Archive at the University of Athens, titled ‘Connecting the World Through University Heritage’.
The Enduring Mission of University Museums
Rector Siasos further elaborated on the significance of university museums, stating, ‘This event offers a meaningful opportunity to highlight the role of the University of Athens Museums as spaces for preserving and documenting scientific and cultural heritage, but above all as active centres of knowledge, research, education, and public dialogue.’ He emphasized that the concept of a museum is integral to the NKUA’s history, identity, and public mission. These museums actively contribute to teaching, support research, engage with the public, host activities, and collaborate with schools, communities, and social organizations. The Rector also noted the museums’ adoption of digital applications, interactive tools, and new forms of museum education, fostering a more open, accessible, and participatory cultural environment.
Post-Event Activities and Public Engagement
Following the formal presentations, a reception was held in the Cast Gallery, providing an opportunity for further discussion and networking among attendees. As part of the broader celebrations for International Museum Day, the University’s museums opened their doors to the public, offering a diverse array of activities. These included guided tours, educational workshops, film screenings, presentations, and various themed events, aiming to engage a wider audience and showcase the rich heritage preserved within these institutions.
The event served as a testament to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens’ ongoing commitment to fostering cultural understanding, promoting scientific knowledge, and connecting with the wider community through its invaluable museum collections.
