Exhibition: The impact of the European Enlightenment on the formation of the modern Greek State

Ελληνικά – ΕΛ

The exhibition explores the dialogue between iconic works of the European and Neohellenic Enlightenment from the rich collection of the National Library of Greece, which date from the 18th to the early 19th centuries: manuscripts, printed documents, foreign language works as well as their translations in Greek. Works by famous thinkers of the European Enlightenment (Locke, Voltaire, the Encyclopedists, Beccaria etc.) are exhibited together with their Greek translations by significant representatives of the Neohellenic Enlightenment (Eugenios Voulgaris, Rigas Feraios Velestinlis and Adamantios Korais).

Taking place concurrently and in the same space with NLG´s exhibition titled: “Τhe Printing Houses of the Greek Revolution”, that diplays valuable printed material published during the Greek Independence War, the exhibition poses the question on how communication and dialogue with European thought contributes to the ideological preparation of the Greek Struggle for Independence and subsequently to the creation of the independent Greek state. In this context, the exhibits depict aspects of this multifaceted dynamic course towards the landmark date of 1821.

Τhe exhibition is financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme titled “Τhe future of Cultural Heritage in Modern Europe”.

Free Αdmission

Opening hours: 09:30 – 20:00h.

Exhibition dates: 29.12.2021-27.02.2022

National Library of Greece (4th flour), Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Upon entering the National Library of Greece, all visitors aged over 12 years old will be required to provide:

  • vaccination certificate or
  • recovery certificate

Wearing a face mask is mandatory during your stay at the indoor settings of the National Library of Greece