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Victoria Mindova

A proof that good things happen even in times of crisis is the news that in the heart of Athens in less than a year will be opened the first museum dedicated to the life and works of the poet Konstantinos Kavafis. The building that will accommodate the archives of the poet is the historical house Koletti built in the early 19th century and today is completely rundown and abandoned.

The building is owned by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which is granting it free of charge to the originator of the museum - Kavafis Research Centre. On the other hand the Center has committed to assume responsibility for the restoration of the old building, so after nine months to give birth to a new museum. Despite the difficult economic conditions, the initiative is supported by the Greek Post Bank and the Building company CONFIDE Architecture.

The whole initiative is however the result of the work of two generations of philologists from the Savidis family who have devoted their life and work to the study and promotion of Kavafis’ poetry. The archives of the poet consist of manuscripts, books, photographs, documents and other personal items that shed light not only on his work, but also on his way of life in a bygone era. After the death of the poet his personal archive has first been put together by his successor, Alekos Segopulos who sold it in 1969 to professor George Savidis. After his death, the work and creativity of the poet go into the hands of his son Manolis Savidis, who in 1996 founded the Kavafis Research Center. Fifteen years later, Manolis Savadis is just a step from making his father’s dream come true.

"Today we celebrate the end of the most difficult stage of the project - the finalizing of the administrative problems. Next month we are ready to begin reconstruction, and after nine months the doors of the new museum will be open to all," said Manolis Savidis at a meeting with journalists. He stressed that the museum Kavafis will be a modern and lively space. It will combine the traditions with the new technologies, and visitors will be able to see both classic exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Koletti House is located in the central are Plaka overlooking the majestic Acropolis. To the question "Why did you choose this particular building which is currently in very poor condition?", the founder of the center Manolis Savidis said for GRReporter exlusive: "The house is located on a strategically important for the city a place that is easy to access by foreign and domestic visitors of the city. They may discover the historic personality of Konstantinos Kavafis and his work and to experience a whole new world. "