Maria Callas
(ANSAmed) - ATHENS, APRIL 3 - Recordings of Maria Callas (1923-1977), the soprano who left an indelible mark in opera globally, will greet and accompany visitors to a museum dedicated to her life in downtown Athens that is expected to open in 2015 as Ana-Mpa reports. The plans for the Maria Callas Museum were presented at a press conference in the building that will house the museum, on 44 Mitropoleos. The building to house the museum is under historical preservation status and was purchased by the state in 2010. It totals 1,070 square metres and includes a basement, ground floor and three more floors, with minor interventions necessary to turn it into a museum. The cost of 1 million euros to create the museum will be offset by bringing the project under programmes for National Strategic Reference Framework funds. According to Athens Mayor George Kaminis, it will be ready for the public in 2015. "This museum is the least the city may do to honour this exceptional interpreter, the great opera diva," Kaminis said. "It is a museum that is not addressed just to opera fans, but mostly to those not familiar with the opera," he added. It will be managed by the city's Cultural, Sports and Youth Organisation, while Technopolis will be responsible for its creation. Presenting the plans, the museologists said the museum would focus on giving a sense of the atmosphere of the theatre, with stage sets and a background of Callas' voice, a historical context of her era, and a timeline of her life. There will be a café - "La Divina" - and a shop. A library and special listening area will also be included, as will another area for recitals and small-scale concerts. (ANSAmed).
