Maria Callas Museum — Attraction in Athens

“..La tua Maria..”

It is the first and only museum in the world dedicated to Maria Callas. The museum displays its exhibits on two floors and is owned by the Municipality of the City of Athens. I would prefer to call it the museum of the "voice of Maria Callas", since this is how the curators have chosen to structure their approach to the Maria Callas phenomenon. The exhibition starts with an immersive approach on the second floor and continues on the first floor with a more factual approach.

On the second floor (which is the suggested visit route), before any interpretation by the museum curators, you hear Maria Callas' voice unmediated, in three different constructed stage spaces (rooms) inspired by performances of emblematic roles performed by Maria Callas: Norma (Bellini), Floria Tosca (Puccini) and Violetta from La Traviata (Verdi). In a fourth room, visitors watch Callas teach in the masterclasses she gave at the Juliard School of New York in 1971-72.

On the first floor is the main part and the curators' interpretation of the exhibits. The interpretive format of the narrative follows the major dates of Callas' life. However, autonomous elements, in the middle of the room, offer aspects of her life in a non-chronological order. On this floor, visitors will come into contact with objects such as: Personal items of Callas, Photographs, Performance programmes and posters, Original letters to/from Callas (two letters, one from her father and one from her mother, are being exhibited for the first time in the world), Art works inspired by Callas, Telegrams, Press clippings, Audiovisual archives material, Scores from which she studied (Spartito), Costumes she wore in performances, Videotaped performances, Interviews, Radio broadcasts, Documentaries etc.

Should I visit this museum?

The answer is definitely Yes! The museum and its exhibits have many things to say both to the one who will approach Maria Callas for the first time and to the one who is an expert. If you have the time, you can spend a whole day to see and listen to all the material, and immerse yourself in the life and the voice of Maria Callas. Trust me: it will be an enjoyable experience!

The narrative unfolds in a very effective way. The curators did an amazing job, using new technologies as a means of interpretation in a functional and intelligent way. The research and documentation team of the material did an excellent job. The only drawback is that they were late: Such a museum should have been built many years ago in Athens and in fact in the house of Maria Callas itself and not here. Nevertheless this is a much more complex issue and conversation. The bottom line is that the City of Athens is graced with a brand new museum, a new point of reference for the Athenians and every visitor who wants to get to know Maria Callas. Congratulations to all those involved in bringing this...

As an overall experience, interesting The museum is located in a neoclassical building at Mitropoleos 44 in Athens. From the metro station of Syntagma, easy to reach on foot. The neighbourhood offers some renowned culinary treasures, but is generally very unkempt. The clientele is mixed in every respect. Through the main entrance of the building via a short flight of stairs, you reach the ticket office on the left. The entrance fee is 10.00 euros and with the lift in the immediate vicinity, it is recommended that you start at the 2nd floor. When you enter the lift, you will hear the voice of Mrs Callas. The 2nd floor consists of various rooms, which are equipped with a screen and are reminiscent of the furnishings of opera houses. Original wardrobes, other personal items, pictures and sculptures are exhibited on the first floor. The whole thing is supported by audio-visuals. On the top floor there is a room that can be booked for events. The room is medium-sized and offers a view of the Acropolis. On the ground floor there is a small, inviting café and a museum shop. A visit there is recommended as an overall experience, but expectations should remain moderate. It should also be noted that the lady at the ticket counter was rather bored by our willingness to share our impressions of the...

Excellent, classy new museum of the highest quality in every aspect. It showcases the life and art of the legendary Greek soprano Maria Callas whom otherworldly talent and extremely hard work made her known around the world!

There’s plenty of optical and audio material expertly arranged so the visitor can see, hear and listen to Maria Callas and her work in various stages.

There’s also personal items of hers like gowns from her performances, jewelry, books, music papers with hand written notes of hers that used for rehearsing, her personal photo album, records, cds, letters she received and sent etc.

There’s also a very classy gift shop with lots of interesting gifts and souvenirs and the “La Divina” cafe with its excellent, polite, fast service, quality coffee and snacks and great atmosphere where you can watch from its large glass windows the hustle and bustle of Mitropoleos street outside!

The museum also organises educational and fun events for children from toddlers to bigger ages that are great. They require a reservation since there’s limited space.

Highly recommended museum not only for fans of the legendary diva but fans of opera music and music in general!...