Upcoming Events

Supporting the Gennadeion

The Gennadius Library is one of Greece’s national treasures. Its 114,000 rare books and bindings, research materials, manuscripts, archives, and works of art illuminate Hellenism, Greece, and neighboring civilizations from antiquity to modern times. Opened in 1926, the Library began with the collection of diplomat and bibliophile, Joannes Gennadius, who presented some 26,000 volumes and archives to the American School of Classical Studies at Athens to house and to make accessible to the public. Since then, it has added 87,000 volumes, the collection spanning the breadth of post-antique Hellenic civilization. In fulfillment of the vision of Joannes Gennadius himself, and with the help of many people in Greece and the United States, the Library has become “a world center for the study of Greek history, literature, and art, both ancient, Byzantine, and modern.”

Ten years ago the Gennadeion Trustees embarked on the first Campaign for the Gennadius Library, with the support of distinguished men and women in Greece and in the United States. This Campaign raised funds to renovate and expand the historic Main Building; construct a new auditorium; build endowment; and initiate new programs in preservation, access and outreach. Now, the Trustees are launching a second Campaign, to raise funds for critical needs including acquisitions, conservation, digitalization, and education; and to expand exhibition and study space.

Further information will soon be available on this major initiative, but the Library also relies on a continuing stream of support for its operating costs from Friends and well-wishers throughout the world. Please consider making a gift today, by credit card through our secure online form or by sending a check offline.