National Hellenic Museum Holds "The Greek Monsters" Exhibit

The theme of the exhibit by Greek based artists Beetroot, focuses on modernizing mythology. The official NHM press release on "The Greek Monsters" can be read in full below.

"The Greek Monsters" are coming to the National Hellenic Museum
Artists from Athens modernize mythology

CHICAGO, IL — The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) announces the September 26, 2014 opening of a new exhibition titled "The Greek Monsters" by Greek-based artists, Beetroot.

The NHM will host a special media viewing and availability with the artists on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 1:30-3:00 pm at the National Hellenic Museum located at 333 South Halsted Street, Chicago. The artists will be available for interviews at 1:30, followed by media viewing of the exhibition.

For a preview of the exhibit visit www.beetroot.gr/411-the-greek-monsters-exhibition-athens.html.

The oversized, colorful creatures are engaging for children and adults alike and tell classic mythological tales in a modern way. The "post-black-figured" visual style of The Greek Monsters exhibition is based upon the original illustrations by Beetroot for a book titled "The Misunderstood Monsters of Greek Mythology." The exhibition brings the book to life through sculpture, paintings, audiovisual artwork, and interactive displays. The Greek Monsters are presented as contemporary symbols and re-establish Greek mythology's central role in western storytelling.

This exhibition has made several stops on its international tour. Every time the exhibition reaches an important destination such as Chicago, a brand-new monster and poem are designed to celebrate the new opening and pay homage to the host city. Chicago's monster will be unveiled at the media event.

There is an educational component to the exhibition, which introduces children to more than twenty mythological creatures, and teaches them important lessons about racism, discrimination and other moral challenges.... All with a message that being a "monster" isn't such a scary thing after all.

The Greek Monsters exhibition is sponsored by Hostess Brands.

The exhibition is free with Museum admission - $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/students, $7 for children ages four and up, children under three are free. Museum members and members of the media are free.

About The National Hellenic Museum: The National Hellenic Museum seeks to inspire visitors of all ages with the rich history, challenges and successes of Greek-American immigrants who have embodied the American experience and the American dream. The Museum also serves as America's center for preserving, nurturing and sharing Greek culture and a gathering place for celebrations and events.

The National Hellenic Museum is proud to provide:

-Engaging and inspiring exhibits that define Greek history and culture as well as Greek antiquities and artifacts
-Educational programs to perpetuate the language, philosophy and ideals of Hellenic heritage
-Cultural and literary events to enlighten and entertain
-Documentation and archiving of personal histories to capture and share the lives, experiences and organizations of Greeks in America

Located in Chicago's Greek Town, the sleek 40,000-square-foot National Hellenic Museum is both contemporary and timeless, connecting all generations—past, present and future—to the rich heritage of Greek history, culture, art and the Greek American experience. The National Hellenic Museum, previously known as the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, has been fulfilling this mission since 1983.

The Museum is conveniently located walking distance from the CTA Blue Line at UIC-Halsted and CTA Bus Route 8 Halsted and parking is available at privately managed parking lots. Museum hours are Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 10 am to 5 pm, Thursdays 10 am to 8 pm, Saturdays/Sundays 11 am to 5 pm. The Museum is closed Tuesdays. For more information, visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.