Long-time National Gallery director Marina Lambraki-Plaka passes away

·

Marina Lambraki-Plaka, an art historian and director of the National Gallery in Athens for almost 30 years, passed away in hospital on Monday morning at the age of 83.

Having been a long-time director of the National Gallery, Lambraki-Plaka was called the “Iron Lady” of the Greek Arts.

Following her death, Greek politicians have paid tribute to the art historian and sent their condolences to her family.

“[She] served the Greek culture with dedication,” Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, said on Twitter.

Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, also expressed her “real pain” at the loss of Lambraki-Plaka. The minister praised her contribution in making Greek artists such as Theodoros Vryzakis, Nikephoros Lytras and Yannis Tsarouchis better known to an international audience.

“We owe her a big thank you for the dedication, creativity and love she showed all these years in the Gallery, in art, in Greece” Mendoni said. 

“I personally thank her for her friendship and the art lessons she offered us generously, charmingly, and unforgettably. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

Born in Arkalochori, Crete in 1939, Lambraki-Plaka was an archaeologist and professor emeritus of Art History at the School of Fine Arts. She served as the director of the National Gallery from 1992 and as deputy minister of culture in the caretaker government of 2015.

During her tenure as president of the National Gallery, the museum expanded with new branches in Corfu, Nafplio, and the Sculpture Gallery in Goudi.

The Museum also acquired 3,000 new works, including two paintings by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) and important exhibitions of foreign and Greek artists were organised.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry.

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

You May Also Like

Ambassador of Greece meets with Archbishop Makarios of Australia

The Ambassador of Greece in Australia, George Papacostas, visited the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney.

Australians of Greek heritage win at the 2023 News Awards 

The Advertiser journalist Evangeline Polymeneas and The Australian podcaster Lia Tsamoglou have won at the 2023 News Awards.

St Basil’s place former aged care facility in Sydney’s inner west for sale

A former residential aged care facility owned by St Basil's NSW / ACT in Annandale is being offered for sale for the first time.