Missolonghi 1826–2026 Exodus: A Path to Freedom

Date

Friday, 30 October 2026

Location

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

The Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) is organising an exhibition of artworks and historical artefacts entitled “Missolonghi 1826–2026. Exodus: A Path to Freedom”, commemorating the bicentenary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi.

The exhibition is held under the auspices of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Konstantinos An. Tassoulas.

The exhibition will be inaugurated on Friday, 30 October 2026, at 18:30, by Konstantinos P. Gioulekas, Deputy Minister of the Interior responsible for Macedonia and Thrace, in the “Alexandros Haitoglou” Multipurpose Hall at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle.

The exhibition offers a multifaceted artistic and historical narrative dedicated to the memory of sacrifice, the collective struggle for freedom, and the enduring impact of one of the most significant events of the Greek War of Independence. At the same time, it explores how this historical event became embedded in collective memory and continued to inspire modern Greek artistic expression. Through this creative dialogue, the exhibition seeks to illuminate the different dimensions of the Exodus: anguish and hope, human suffering, the overcoming of fear, and self-sacrifice as the ultimate expression of devotion to freedom.

The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the “Diexodos” Centre for Art and Literature, a valuable guardian of Missolonghi’s history and cultural heritage. Selected historical artefacts from its collections are presented, including nineteenth-century jewellery and costumes, philhellenic documents and memorabilia, and objects from everyday life.

Engaging in a direct dialogue with these historical artefacts are works by distinguished artists, including Yannis Adamakis, Stefanos Daskalakis, Irini Kana, Nektarios Pachi adakis, Alekos Fassianos, and Yannis Psychopedis, as well as artistic photographs by Nikos Siamos, creating an environment in which historical testimony meets artistic interpretation.

The exhibition is curated by Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor and Vice-Rector of the University of Macedonia and Director of KEMIT-IMMA, and Athina Pavlidou, Philologist–Museologist and Director of IMMA.

The exhibition is made possible with the generous support of Giorgos Papageorgiou and Zoi Psarra Papageorgiou, as well as ALUMIL and ISOMAT.

The bicentenary of the Exodus of Missolonghi provides an opportunity for a meaningful dialogue between History and Art. Artistic creation serves not only as an aesthetic representation of the past but also as a means of interpretation, emotional engagement, and a deeper understanding of human experience. Through images, figures, symbols, and historical objects, the past acquires a renewed presence and connects with values that remain relevant today. Combining artistic expression with authentic historical evidence, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the Exodus of Missolonghi in a deeply engaging way, highlighting its enduring significance as a symbol of freedom, resistance, and national self-awareness.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, graphically designed by Studio Hervik, and will also feature a parallel programme of guided tours and lectures, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the historical event, its artistic interpretations, and its lasting significance in greater depth.

Exhibition dates: 30 October 2026 – 31 January 2027

EXHIBITION CREDITS

Organiser

Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA)

Under the Auspices of

H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Konstantinos An. Tassoulas

Collaborating Organisation

“Diexodos” Centre for Art and Literature

General Coordination

Athina Pavlidou, Philologist–Museologist, PhD Candidate in Museology, Director of IMMA

Exhibition Curators

Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor, Department of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies, Vice-Rector for Human Resources, Student Welfare, Lifelong Learning and Culture, University of Macedonia, Director of KEMIT-IMMA

Athina Pavlidou, Philologist–Museologist, PhD Candidate in Museology, Director of IMMA

Administrative Support

Kalypso Tryfonaki, IMMA Administrative Secretary

Artists

Yannis Adamakis

Stefanos Daskalakis

Irini Kana

Nektarios Pachiadakis

Nikos Siamos

Alekos Fassianos

Yannis Psychopedis

Loans of Artworks and Historical Artefacts