The National Hellenic Museum is home to Hellenic Heads, by George Petrides. An extraordinary touring sculpture exhibition taking place now through December 10, 2023. It showcases six larger-than-life busts inspired by pivotal periods in Greek history, spanning an impressive 2,500 years from ancient times to the present day.

Originating from its successful debut at the Embassy of Greece in Washington, DC, the exhibition serves as George Petrides’ personal exploration of his Greek heritage. Through this artistic endeavor, he seeks to comprehend the profound cultural influences that have shaped not only himself but also those closest to him. The creative process begins with a meticulous research approach, incorporating archaeological artifacts, academic sources, family narratives, and historical photographs. This rigorous study delves into six crucial epochs in Greek history.

• Classical Greek Period (510 BC to 323 BC)
• Byzantine Period (330 AD to 1453 AD)
• Greek War of Independence (1821 to 1829)
• Destruction of Smyrna (1922)
• Nazi Occupation and Greek Civil War (1941 to 1949)
• The Present

Drawing inspiration from both historical sources and eminent sculptors such as Michelangelo, Houdon, and Rodin, Petrides then crafts larger-than-life busts. Each piece, standing at approximately three feet in height and towering over six feet when mounted on pedestals, embodies the essence of the respective era.

“As a Greek of the Diaspora—born in Athens and having spent most of my life in the U.S.—I have always been interested in my Greek roots, initially absorbing them through my family: a grandmother who escaped the destruction of Smyrna in 1922 and parents who lived through the 1940s Nazi occupation and ensuing Greek Civil War,” says sculptor George Petrides. “I continued exploring these topics at Harvard College, where I studied Classical Greek literature, philosophy and history. During four visits to Mount Athos, I was steeped in the art and culture of the Byzantine period. When I visit Greece now, I hear the echoes of many of the periods I studied for Hellenic Heads.”

The venue for this captivating exhibition is the National Hellenic Museum, located at 333 S. Halsted Street in Chicago. The museum welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A ticket fee of $10 grants access to all exhibits, accompanied by exclusive discounts for seniors, students, and children. NHM Members enjoy complimentary admission to the museum.

Hellenic Heads promises an awe-inspiring journey through the annals of Greek history, skillfully brought to life through the artist’s captivating sculptural work. A not-to-be-missed opportunity for art enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the rich tapestry of Greek heritage.

The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) has a mission to share Greek history, art, culture and the Greek American story. NHM preserves the Hellenic legacy and makes this rich heritage relevant today through its extensive collection of more than 10,000 physical artifacts, hundreds of oral histories, exhibitions, educational programs and special events. Originally founded in 1983 and located in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood since 2011, the museum provides lifelong learning for the community and sparks inquiry and discussion about the broader issues in our lives and society. Regular museum hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

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