Gennadius Library Honors Rothschild and Opens New Exhibition
Yiannis Adamakis’ work, “Johannes Gennadius, a journey, 2010”
Lord Rothschild Honored Each year the Library seeks to honor individuals who have contributed to the world’s understanding of Hellenism in its many manifestations. On June 7, the Overseers of the Gennadius Library hosted a special evening to benefit the Library and to honor Lord Jacob Rothschild.  Lord Rothschild’s exceptionally distinguished career through the Butrint Foundation has shed completely new light on archaeology in Butrint and southern Albania. Butrint is a Mediterranean story: a place that had its origins in prehistory, then grew into a Corinthian sanctuary in the Archaic era, was a thriving town until the end of Antiquity, and revived in the Middle Ages when it became a powerful Venetian bulwark against the Turks. Each historical episode, along with the impact of the changing landscape, has come to light in the excavations the Butrint Foundation conducts. The event began at 7:30 pm in the auditorium of the American School, Cotsen Hall, with a presentation by Lord Rothschild and a lecture by John McK. Camp II, Director of the Agora Excavations, entitled “Edward Dodwell’s Visits to Corfu in 1801 and 1806.” The presentations were followed by a special viewing of the art exhibit “Johannes Gennadius and his World” and a reception in the Gennadeion gardens.  Patrons of the event were Alpha Trust Mutual Fund Management S.A., Alapis, and Nicholas J. Theocarakis, while sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Alexander E. Zagoreos. The net proceeds from the evening will be used to match the challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for a project to renovate the West Wing of the Library to provide enhanced access to the collections as well as a new exhibition space. Art Exhibit Opens, to Run until July 10 The formal opening of the group art exhibit “Johannes Gennadius and his World” took place on June 8, 2010. Hundreds of people flocked to the Library to see the works of 65 Greek artists inspired by the personality of the Library’s founder and his unique collections. Through this exhibition, curated by art historian and critic Iris Kriticou, the Library seeks to showcase the wealth of its treasures to a non-academic audience and open a creative dialogue with contemporary artists who comment on the collection’s historical significance through their art. Left: Attendees at the opening of the exhibition admiring the works on display. Right: sculpture by George Lappas, “People and books, 2010” Most of of the works of art are displayed in the Basil Room of the Library, with others in the main Reading Room and in the gardens, giving that outdoor space a different feel. The significance that such an artistic “invasion” may have on the image of the Library opens new vistas for the Gennadeion while respecting its academic mission. The artworks are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Library The exhibition will be on view during the opening hours of the Library (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Thursday: 9:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm, Sunday: closed) until July 10th, 2010. Accompanying the exhibition is an illustrated catalog. Τhis event has been made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship by OPAP S.A.