National Hellenic Museum’s inaugural ball makes history

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Mary-Ann Karris of Oak Brook and Pamela Berk of River Forest. | Photo courtesy of Furla Studio

Updated: February 22, 2012 12:14PM

A sellout crowd of more than 800 guests celebrated the relocation of the country’s first National Hellenic Museum on Nov. 5 at the Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park. The Once in a Millennium gala raised more than $500,000 to support the museum’s mission to connect all generations to the rich heritage of Greek history and the Greek American experience.

The ball was a prelude to the museum’s Dec. 10 grand opening of its new location and the culmination of years of fundraising, development and construction.

The event décor included a “ghost” Parthenon silhouette and clean, contemporary lines, referencing the museum’s aesthetic. The entire design was inspired by Greek heritage and culture.

Emcee Lou Canellis from FOX Chicago News guided the evening as guests enjoyed live entertainment and danced to Greek and American music. Museum Executive Director Stephanie Vlahakis and board member John Calamos Sr. spoke passionately about what opening the museum means to them and the community.

The museum celebrated its grand opening with the special exhibit, “Gods, Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece.” The museum also features an oral history center and educational and cultural outreach programs.

The National Hellenic Museum is the only major museum in the United States dedicated to telling the story of Greek history, culture and arts from ancient times to today. The museum is located at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren in the heart of Chicago’s Greektown.

For more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call (312) 655-1234.