The National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (MIET) is known to most people for its publications aimed at both academics and the general public. For those interested in history, literature, and archaeology, MIET is also known for its Historical and Paleographic Archive, which has a valuable collection of manuscripts and historical archives, and organizes highly successful seminars on paleography .

Dimitris Mytaras, Composition with Sunglasses, 1970
Acrylic on canvas, 140 × 180 cm

The 60th anniversary of MIET’s operation is an opportunity to present the Foundation and its lesser-known collection of Greek artworks in the exhibition “60 Years of MIET. Readings of a Collection” at the Benaki Museum / 138 Pireos  Street. The effort to create a collection of Greek art that is as representative as possible began in 1966, when, as part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the National Bank, the Educational Foundation of the National Bank (MIET) was established by decision of the then governor Georgios Mavros (1964–1966), the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (MIET) was established, with Emmanouil H. Kasdaglis as its first director. The goal of the new foundation was defined as “the promotion of literature, science, and the arts.” This was also when the first artworks were purchased for the collection. This will be only the second time that part of the collection will be exhibited, the previous exhibition having taken place 35 years ago at the National Gallery.

Georgios Mavroidis, The Death of Markos Botsaris, 1961
Glue on paper, 175 × 250 cm

The MIET Collection has more than 7,000 paintings, engravings, and sculptures. In addition, there are a large number of drawings, illustrated books, tapestries, mosaics, and ceramics. The exhibition “60 Years of MIET. Readings from a Collection” presents a selection of representative works that reflect the quality and richness of the collection. The exhibition is divided into the thematic sections “Human Presence,” “Still Life,” and “Landscape.” There are also separate sections for sculptures and engravings.

Cleopatra Dinga, Man on the Rails, 2007
Charcoal and gouache on paper, 102 × 153 cm.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog that includes texts by Voula Livani, who has been responsible for the MIET Art Collection for many years, and exhibition curator Konstantinos Papachristou, as well as reproductions of all the works presented in the exhibition, including some that were not ultimately exhibited.