Greece
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Case: Museum of the city of Volos (Volos, Greece)
The Museum of the City of Volos, Greece’s sole contemporary City Museum, is housed in a converted tobacco warehouse. Through its exhibitions and research projects, the museum actively engages with the local community and academic institutions. Its first major exhibition, “Volos-Nea Ionia: so close, so far,” commemorates the 90-year anniversary of a refugee settlement, highlighting the shared experiences of diverse individuals. The museum also fosters inclusivity by organizing regular visits for young refugees to other museums, facilitating cultural exchange and dialogue. These initiatives promote community-building, integration, and empowerment, enriching the museum experience for refugees and the wider community. Background The Museum of the City of Volos stands as Greece’s inaugural…
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Case: Building Bridges (Thessaloniki, Greece)
The Greek Museum of Photography, established in 1987, is a cultural institution dedicated to the study, promotion, and education of photography. Located in Thessaloniki since 2001, it houses a vast collection of photographic objects spanning over a century. In 2016, the museum organised the exhibition An Other Life: Human Flows / Unknown Odysseys, featuring works by photojournalists and personal photographs of refugees. Complementing the exhibition, educational programs were implemented, incorporating real refugee testimonies and employing Educational Drama techniques. These initiatives attracted thousands of visitors, fostering understanding, empathy, and ongoing engagement, while utilising photography as a powerful medium for visual storytelling. Background Established through private initiative in 1987, the Greek Museum…
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Case: What would you take with you? (Thessaloniki, Greece)
The Folklife & Ethnological Museum of Macedonia & Thrace in Thessaloniki, established in 1957, houses a collection of folklore material from northern Greece. Its purpose is to research, preserve, and promote traditional culture through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and events. In 2016, the museum held an exhibition on the refugee crisis, drawing parallels with the city’s history of migration. The exhibition received positive feedback from newcomers, fostering cultural connections and providing a reprieve from camp life. Challenges included translation difficulties and storytelling mediated by translators. Overall, the experience demonstrated the potential for museums to contribute to the well-being of newcomers and foster understanding between host communities and displaced individuals. Background…
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Case: National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, (Athens, Greece)
The Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Athens conducted a pedagogical intervention at the Elaionas refugee shelter, aiming to address the unique needs of the refugee population. The intervention unfolded in three phases, adapting to the changing circumstances and accommodating the transient nature of the shelter’s population. Collaborations with various museums facilitated cultural exchange, bridging the gap between newcomers and the local society. The initiative engaged children creatively, preparing them for integration into schools through connections established with other children and exposure to Greek culture. Flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration were key elements in the successful design and implementation of the program. Background Established in the academic year…
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Case: Our long journey. Yesterday, where did I come from?… Now where am I… Tomorrow where do I want to go? (Thessaloniki, Greece)
The Children’s Museum of Thessaloniki, established in 1997, overcame a devastating fire in 2009 to become an independent institution focused on providing an enriching environment for children. Collaborating with UNHCR, the museum developed a program titled “Our Great Journey,” aiming to foster connections and understanding among refugee and non-refugee children. Through engaging activities and games, the program facilitated a sense of comfort, acceptance, and friendship. The museum’s success demonstrated the significance of thoughtful design and inclusive approaches, accommodating diverse backgrounds and celebrating linguistic diversity. These efforts showcased the power of play and education in forging connections and promoting empathy. Background Established in 1997, the Children’s Museum of Thessaloniki found its…