University of Athens Museums to Host International Museum Day Event: Connecting Science and Society
Date of Publication: May 15, 2026
Last Updated: May 15, 2026
Applies to: Academics, researchers, students, museum professionals, and the general public interested in cultural heritage and science communication.
To mark International Museum Day on Monday, May 18, 2026, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) is organizing a significant event titled ‘University of Athens Museums Bring Science and Society Together’. This event aims to highlight the crucial role of university museums as dynamic centers for knowledge, research, culture, and public engagement. The gathering will feature insights from prominent academics, researchers, and professionals in museology and cultural heritage management.
EVENT DETAILS
- Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
- Time: 18:00 (6:00 PM)
- Location: Cast Gallery, Museum of Archaeology and History of Art, School of Philosophy, Zografou University Campus, Athens
- Theme: Exploring the role of university museums in fostering connections between science and society.
EVENT PROGRAMME
The event will feature a series of talks by distinguished speakers, followed by a reception.
Opening Remarks
- Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Welcome Address
- Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations, and Extroversion
Presentations
A diverse range of topics will be covered by leading experts:
- 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:
‘University Museums: Prospects and Development’ - Professor Platon Petridis, Chair of the Department of History and Archaeology, School of Philosophy, and Director of the Museum of Archaeology and History of Art:
‘The Museum of Archaeology and History of Art Looking to the Future’ - Assistant Professor of Museology Marlen Mouliou:
‘The University of Athens Museums as a Constellation. Connections Across Fields With Vision and Meaning’ - Professor Efstratios Valakos, Department of Biology, Director of the Museum of Zoology:
‘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:
‘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 S.A.:
‘Museum Education for All Through Technology’ - Dr Evangelos Papoulias, Head of the Department of Museums and the Historical Archive, University of Athens:
‘Connecting the World Through University Heritage’
POST-EVENT RECEPTION
Following the presentations, attendees are invited to a reception in the Cast Gallery, providing an opportunity for networking and further discussion.
WHY ATTEND?
This event offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain insights into the evolving role of university museums in contemporary society.
- Learn about innovative approaches to museum education and technology.
- Understand the contributions of university museums to research and cultural heritage.
- Network with leading academics and professionals in the fields of museology and cultural heritage.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18. The event aims to raise awareness about the fact that “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” Organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the day highlights a specific theme each year that reflects a relevant issue facing museums globally.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more details on International Museum Day, you may refer to the official ICOM resources.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For inquiries regarding the event, please contact the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
- General University Information: www.uoa.gr
- University Museums: For specific museum contact details, please refer to the University of Athens official website.
Stay connected with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens for updates on this and other events:
- Website: hub.uoa.gr/en/
- Social Media: Follow NKUA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Viber.
