Makriyannis Wing
On June 2, 2018, the Ioannis Makriyannis Wing opened. This exhibition hall showcases many of the treasures of the School, taken from our libraries and archives, in a modern exhibition space, free and open to the public. The Makriyannis Wing also holds educational exhibitions about the important archaeological and scientific work of the American School. With its contemporary style, versatile space, and inviting interior, the Makriyannis Wing serves the expanding mission of the American School for decades to come.
Constantine (Deno) Macricostas, chairman of the technology company Photronics, and his family named the wing after national hero Ioannis Makriyannis (1797–1864), who fought in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1832), and who was later instrumental in the granting of the first constitution. Macricostas’s mother was born in the village of Krokilio, near the birthplace of General Makriyannis.
The courtyard of the wing, the Georges Family Courtyard Terrace, was donated by John A. Georges, Operating Partner of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC, in honor of his family.
About Ioannis Makriyannis
Yannis Makriyannis (1797–1864), born Ioannis Triantaphyllou, was a Greek merchant, military officer, politician and author, best known today for his Memoirs. Starting from humble origins, he joined the Greek struggle for independence, achieving the rank of general and leading his men to notable victories. Following Greek independence, he had a tumultuous public career, playing a prominent part in the granting of the first Constitution of the Kingdom of Greece and later being sentenced to death and pardoned.
Despite his important contributions to the political life of the early Greek state, general Makriyannis is mostly remembered for his Memoirs. Aside from being a source of historical and cultural information about the period, this work has also been called a "monument of Modern Greek literature", as it is written in pure Demotic Greek. Indeed, its literary quality led Nobel laureate Giorgos Seferis to call Makriyannis one of the greatest masters of Modern Greek prose.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
News
More News
February 27, 2025
School closed for the public on February 28th
The Blegen and Gennadius libraries, the Archives, and the Wiener Laboratory will be closed to the public on February 28th.
Read More
December 31, 2024
Our Year in Review - 2024
Watch the year in review and see how your gift touches the lives of so many people!
Read MoreNews
More News
February 27, 2025
Katherine E. Fleming to Present on Judaism, Hellenism, and Modern Greece at the 2025–2026 Thalia Potamianos Lecture Series
The Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens will launch its 2025-26 Thalia Potamianos Annual Lecture Series, featuring eminent scholar and thought leader, Katherine E. Fleming.
Read MoreTo read more about the inaguration of the wing, click here.
Click here to watch the inaguration ceremony.
For the full newsletter article, click here.