It had to happen sometime I suppose. I finally picked a museum in Athens that has vanished into thin air! Although some information about the Museum of Engravings and Graphic Arts of the Ionian Bank is available online, most of it is just regurgitated, old, and seemingly out of date. Just where is this museum now? Read on to find out more.
Museum of Engravings and Graphic Arts of the Ionian Bank
According to every source that is available online, the Museum of Engravings and Graphic Arts of the Ionian Bank is located at 10 Aghias Philotheis Street.
Within it, were a collection of modern Greek engravings, graphic arts, and books. This collection was put together and housed by the Ionian Bank.
Another thing that the various internet pages mention, is that there were a couple of notable works of art which are G. Kefalinos, “The Fox”, D. Giannoukakis: “Vase with roses”, A. Tassos: “Fishermen”. The question is, where are they all now?
Apparently, the picture shown above is “The Fox” by G. Kefalinos. Or at least to Google it is! I wonder where it is now?
I visited the address, and there was no sign of life. The building was inaccessible, and there were no signs or banners in evidence. It seems then, that the Museum of Engravings and Graphic Arts of the Ionian Bank has vanished. What could have happened?
Well, I did ask around. Many people were not even aware of its existence in the first place, and some had it confused with another museum which is undergoing refurbishment. I asked a couple of well connected people in Athens, and they didn't know either! A complete mystery!
So, this is both an apology and an appeal. Firstly, I apologise that this week's #museummonday feature was short, and perhaps a little bit pointless! Secondly, if you know someone who worked at the Museum of Engravings and Graphic Arts of the Ionian Bank, or know what happened to it and the exhibits there, please leave a comment below. It's a mystery that is bugging me, and one that I would like to solve!
To read about the museums I have managed to find in Athens, have a look here – Museums in Athens
Check out my other travel guides to Athens and Greece:
- Athens (The city I live in!)
- The Greek Islands (Over 230 inhabited, and thousands of smaller ones!)
- The Peloponnese (An area rich in beauty, history and culture)
- Meteora (Such a fascinating landscape!)
- Thessaloniki – (The second biggest city in Greece)
- Connecting with Local Culture in the Digital Age
- Santorini vs Milos – Which Island Is Better?
- Athens 3 Day Itinerary – What to do in Athens in 3 days
Yes, I was there in November (and already came back to Italy).
I will come to Athens again, soon!
Hello!
I found that Ionian bank was purchased by Alpha bank in 1999-2000, and I got in touch via email with somebody at alphabank and they told me this museums doesn’t operate.
Ciao.
Vale
Thanks for that Vale!
Have you visited Athens yet?
Hello!
I found this phone number +30 210 3238945, I guess you already try to get in touch with it…
Ciao
Vale