National Hellenic Museum

“We don’t just preserve Greek culture, we celebrate it.”

The Greeks laid the foundation for western civilization. Centuries later, thousands of Greek families immigrated to the United States and brought with them a rich culture and strong values. Now, everyone can explore and celebrate the timeless traditions and epic history of Greek culture at the all-new National Hellenic Museum.

The National Hellenic Museum – the newest thing in ancient history – is the first and only major museum in the country dedicated to the Greek journey, from ancient times to the modern Greek American experience.

Chicago has one of the world’s largest Greek populations. But Greek or not, this journey touches everyone. Greek history and culture is at the very foundation of western civilization, and continues to influence our lives to this day. Our government, language, architecture and theater all have their roots in ancient Greece.

Located in a new 40,000-square-foot space that is both contemporary and timeless, the Museum connects all generations—past, present and future—to the rich heritage of Greek history, culture, art and the Greek American experience. Since 1983, the National Hellenic Museum, previously known as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, has been striving towards this mission.

“We don’t just preserve Greek culture; we celebrate it,” said Stephanie Vlahakis, the National Hellenic Museum’s President. “The contributions of ancient Greece and of Greek America are everywhere in our culture. The U.S. is a country of immigrants, and these stories will strike a universal chord with museum goers. We all share the legacy of ancient Greece and of the Greek American experience. That’s why we say we’re all Greek! This Museum is for everyone.”

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