JOINT PRESS RELEASE OF THE MINISTRIES OF NATIONAL DEFENCE AND CULTURE: Event for the Signing of Donation Agreement for the Creation of National Museum Dedicated to the Greek[...]

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JOINT PRESS RELEASE OF THE MINISTRIES OF NATIONAL DEFENCE AND CULTURE: Event for the Signing of Donation Agreement for the Creation of National Museum Dedicated to the Greek Revolution of 1821

July 10, 2026

On 9 July 2026, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni signed a donation agreement for the creation of a National Museum dedicated to the Greek Revolution of 1821. The signing ceremony took place in "Ioannis Kapodistrias" Hall at the Ministry of National Defence. On behalf of the "Anthony E. Comninos" Foundation, which is making the donation, the agreement was signed by its President, Anthony Comninos, while the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum was represented by the Chairwoman of its Board of Directors, Olga Mentzafou.

During his address, the Minister of National Defence pointed out the following:

"I would like to say that it is a really important day for us.

HELLENIC REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF CULTURE PRESS OFFICE

Apart from my gratitude to the beloved by me and by all of us, Lina Mendoni, I have to admit that there is now a strong bond with the Ministry of Culture. I think that it is a
heartfelt and continuous collaboration, which has found its ground in the Archaeological Museum project and the assistance that the Ministry of National Defence naturally provides to it. Overall, we seek to enhance the connection of our country's Armed Forces, the Ministry of Culture, and our cultural heritage.

I believe that it all began with the reconstruction of the façade of the building hosting us today, when an unusual approach for the Armed Forces was adopted. That was to assign Kostas Varotsos the work to design the Ark of National Remembrance, which contains the names of all those who fell for our country, as well as to turn an architecturally mediocre, I dare say, building, into what I believe is an emblematic building, which can proudly represent our National Defence, especially to our foreign visitors.

Moving on to today's donation by Anthony Comninos, to whom we are grateful. I think that it is indeed a really positive thing that Lina mentioned the 200-year anniversary of the Greek Revolution, as the creation of this museum fills, as she said, a really big gap.

It can be dedicated to the 200 years since the establishment of the modern Greek State and be the core of the new formal anniversary for it, which will be able to make up for the gap created due to the inability to celebrate the 200 years from the Greek Revolution of 1821 due to the pandemic.

In addition, the effort that we make - and by "we" I mean the Ministry of National Defence - includes making the younger generations of Greeks aware of the meaning of the struggles of their ancestors. No one will sacrifice their life for something they do not comprehend and abide by. So, in this framework, Anthony, you provide assistance in fulfilling this work, which addresses the younger generations.

This new Museum makes an excellent combination with our effort to recreate the Hellenic War Museum on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and, I think, it will be a prized possession for our Country.

Also, a site filled with heavy historical memories is utilised; memories that are epic and memories that are negative. I think that we all know of various movements that began in this place, either in a positive direction in 1909 or in a negative one in 1967. Thanks to your generous donation, the "prison of the six", namely the cells where the people held responsible for the Asia Minor Catastrophe were held prior to their execution, can also be preserved. I think that thus ends a cycle.

There is an informal discourse between 1821 and 1922, which in reality outlines the Megali Idea, as it began from Kolettis during the Greek Revolution and ended with the Asia Minor Catastrophe and the execution of the then Commander-in-Chief and his Ministers.

I think that all of this teaches the younger generations of Greeks as to how we must proceed from here on out. Closing, allow me to say that the Ministry intends to honour you beyond today's ceremony.

We have established a tradition, ladies and gentlemen, in awarding a rank to our benefactors, not in the narrow sense of honour, but in that of bringing them back to the service of the National Emblem, which they will be allowed to bear.

So, in this framework, allow me to honour you for your contribution come autumn, Anthony, and to thank you, as you voluntarily enter the list of donors of the Ministry of National Defence; that means the donors towards the country.

I would like to thank you all for your presence here today".

In her address, the Minister of Culture pointed out:

"Today is a special day for all of us. It is mainly special, however, for our country. Through the generous donation of the Anthony Comninos Foundation, a significant gap in the museum landscape of Greece is filled.

This is not just another museum initiative. Today, an Art Gallery exclusively dedicated to the Struggle of the Greek Revolution of 1821 is created. It is a work with deep national and historical symbolism, which assumes a permanent character and offers our collective memory a place worthy of the significance of the Struggle of our National Palingenesis. It is the first time that a place is created where the artistic depiction of the Revolution is collected, enhanced, and creates a discourse with history, thus being a reference point for future generations. In 2021, when we celebrated 200 years from the Greek Revolution, upon decision of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the emblematic work of the official celebration was to reopen the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum to the public, after being closed for almost thirteen years due to renovations.

One of the most significant exhibitions of that period was dedicated to the Struggle of 1821. Back then, all of us, and especially the public, realised the invaluable worth of the works in the National Gallery, which depict the history of the Greek Revolution and the Greek Palingenesis. Experts argue that the collection of Anthony Comninos, which contains works of philhellenism and in general works related to the 1821 Struggle, is an exceptionally important collection. He, in his spirit of generosity, donated that collection to the National Gallery in order for it and the other works of the gallery to constitute the core of the new Gallery, which will be created at the old Army bakery.

In 2002, when those buildings were characterised as a monument in accordance with the archaeological law, I was honoured to be Director of the Central Council for Modern Monuments. So, I can make my personal testimonial for their great historical and architectural value, as has been recognised by experts. So, a truly ideal combination is achieved: historical buildings, carrying memories and symbolism gain new life by hosting a Gallery dedicated to the Struggle for National Palingenesis. The site itself becomes part of the narrative and our national memory.

I would firstly like to thank my particularly beloved colleague, the Minister of National Defence, who shared the vision of this initiative with me from the very beginning and with whom I worked closely in order to get where we are today. All of us - the National Gallery, the Ministry of Culture, and all Greeks - would like to express our deep and heartfelt gratitude to Anthony Comninos. This deed of his not only saves these valuable works of art and historical memory; It also creates a permanent cultural legacy for the nation. It offers the younger generations a place where they will get to know, understand, and honour the sacrifice of those, thanks to whom we have the opportunity to enjoy our freedom and democracy today.

Those are values that should never be taken for granted. Usually, in our country, even the most obvious things need constant reminders.

Finally, it is particularly important that the Ministry of National Defence, the National Gallery, and the Ministry of Culture act in unison in this effort. National Defence and culture do not constitute two separate worlds. On the contrary, they are linked in essence, as the protection of the country requires not only the protection of its borders, but also the protection of the historical memory, our cultural heritage, and our national conscience.

Thank you all deeply. And most of all, I would like to thank Anthony Comninos for this great donation to our country and the nation".

The President of the "Anthony E. Comninos Foundation" stated:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a moment of particular emotion for the Anthony E. Comninos Foundation and me personally and it is an honour for me to be here today.

The signing of today's agreement lays the foundation for the common will to protect and enhance one of the most significant chapters in the history of Hellenism.

The Anthony E. Comninos Foundation, dedicated to public service and true to its cultural orientation, considers that the protection of historical memory is a major responsibility, both at the national and personal level.

For this purpose, we initially proceeded to donate a collection of Greek works of art and historic objects to the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum. It is a collection that was assembled after many years of care, persistence, and deep respect for the history of Hellenism and philhellenism.

Our belief is that this collection deserves to be, along with works of the NationalGallery and even more institutions, the foundation of a broader national collection of works of art and historical artefacts, capable of projecting the significance and greatness of our Greek Revolution.

With this vision as a guide, our Foundation undertakes not only the donation of its collection, but also the complete funding of the design and construction of a new museum, which will be dedicated to the Greek Revolution, in order to be delivered to the Hellenic State complete.

It is a conscious act of contribution, under the belief that culture is the most valuable national heritage and the safest investment for our future and the future generations of our country.

This effort raises its value due to our partnership with the State through leading institutions. The Ministry of National Defence and the Hellenic Armed Forces pay tribute to the Greek freedom fighters through this work.

The donation of the historic and listed as monument complex of the old military building at the Army Park in Goudi, which is a place that already hosts the National Glyptotheque and has excellent potential to become a living art and culture establishment, assigns particular symbolism to the effort, turning a historic military facility into a place of remembrance, education, and culture.

The contribution of the Ministry of Culture and the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum, on the plentiful assistance of which we all rely for the creation of the museum, is also instrumental.

As co-manager of the project I will make sure that this vision will be implemented with scientific validity, museological thoroughness, and respect to the historical truth, in order for the new museum to become a reference point for the study and promotion of the Greek Revolution.

I believe that our country deserves a modern museum that is exclusively dedicated to our national Palingenesis. A modern place of historical memory, research, and education, where the past will discuss creatively with the present, cultivating knowledge, historical conscience, and inspiration.

I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who supported the work from the beginning. Also to the Ministries of National Defence and Culture, to Ministers Ms. Mendoni and Mr. Dendias, as well as their exceptionally capable associates, who are undertaking the supervision of the project.

I would also like to thank the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum and Ms. Olga Mentzafou and Ms. Syrago Tsiara, as well as architect Mr. Vaggelis Stylianidis and his associates personally, for the preliminary designs of the new museum. The final designs have not begun yet.

I would also like to thank our scientific associates and our own team for the common faith in a project that aspires to become an ever-present place of remembrance, knowledge, and national self-knowledge.

I hope for a direct and substantial cooperation with all institutions involved, in order for the project to be completed and delivered as soon as possible, without any issues.

Thank you very much."

The aim of the donation is to exclusively costs up to 12 million Euro for the drafting of the necessary designs and the restoration of the building complex of the Old Army Bakery, which is located at the Army Park in Goudi. The donation will be made at no cost to and without a consideration from the Hellenic State and in accordance with the architectural design of architect Evangelos Stylianidis. The National Museum of the Greek Revolution of 1821 will collect, host, and display exhibits and historical artefacts from public and private collections, focusing of the Greek Revolution. Its creation will reduce the burden on the already existing museums and will provide a modern, standalone exhibition for the well-documented promotion of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The Museum will be a reference point for the preservation of historical memory, education, and the promotion of Greek history, while it aspires to transcend international borders by incorporating the Greek Revolution and the Philhellenic Movement into the broader historical framework of European revolutions and national movements of the 19 th century. Upon completion of the project, the Museum will function under the Ministry of National Defence, which will coordinate the institutions involved and, through its competent services, will oversee the required administrative and licensing processes for the restoration of the building complex.

The Ministry of Culture, through the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum, will undertake the museological, museographical, and scientific organisation of the new museum, as well as the management of its collections.

Concurrently, it has accepted, through the decision of the Board of Directors, the donation of the work of art collection of the "Anthony E. Comninos" Foundation, which will be on permanent display in the new Museum, along with other works of art from the collections of the National Gallery.

The Ministry of Culture will assist the Ministry of National Defence during the Museum's inauguration and operation, by contributing to the creation and enrichment of collections, the organisation of periodic exhibitions, the cooperation with other museums and cultural institutions, as well as the scientific documentation, oversight, and public promotion of the collection.

The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, the Chief HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief HNGS Dimitrios - Eleftherios Kataras HN, the Deputy Chief HAGS, Lieutenant General Andreas Koronakis, as representative of the Chief HAGS, the Deputy Chief HAFGS, Lieutenant General (HAF) Vasilios Broumas, as representative of the Chief HAFGS, the architect of the project Evangelos Stylianidis, the Special Advisor to the Minister of Culture Lia Elisavet Baloglou, the Legal Advisor to the Minister of Culture Panagiotis Hinis, as well as the Director of the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum Syrago Tsiara.