In a historic moment for the world of opera and the city of Athens, a museum dedicated to the legendary Opera Diva, Maria Callas, officially opened its doors in the Greek capital on Thursday. This unique museum is the first of its kind globally, paying tribute to the iconic opera singer.
The organizers of the museum have gathered an extensive collection of over 1,300 items that once belonged to Maria Callas. This remarkable assortment includes a school scrapbook, inscribed books, sheet music, opera dresses, and a treasure trove of photographs. Among the highlights of the collection are the singer’s personal photo album, her backstage mirror, and her rarely seen prescription glasses, which she seldom wore in public.
Speaking at the museum’s inauguration, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis expressed the city’s pride in hosting this groundbreaking institution, which beautifully blends technology with the lived experiences of the legendary Maria Callas.
The museum has found its home in a four-story building dating back to the 1920s, which originally served as a hotel. The extensive work involved in creating this museum took over a decade to complete and cost approximately $1.6 million.
The journey of collecting these precious items began 24 years ago when the city of Athens acquired a selection of Maria Callas’s belongings at an auction in Paris.
Among the artifacts on display, visitors can explore not only the life and career of Maria Callas but also her connection to Athens. The building in Athens where Callas resided briefly with her mother and sister is set to be transformed into a music academy, further honoring her legacy.
Maria Callas, born as Sophia Cecilia Anna Maria Kalogeropoulos in New York in 1923 to Greek parents, spent a part of her early life in Athens from 1937 to 1945 following her parents’ separation. She initiated her professional career with the Royal Opera of Athens in 1941 after receiving singing training at the National Conservatory.
Maria Callas retired in 1974 after her final stage performance in Sapporo, Japan. She passed away in Paris in 1977 due to a heart attack at the age of 53, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the world of opera. The opening of the Maria Callas Museum is a testament to her enduring influence on the world of music and culture.
