The Historical Archives of the National Bank of Greece (HA/NBG) is organizing a special exhibition dedicated to the pioneering Greek engraver Lambros Orfanos.

The engraver, an executive at the Bank of Greece, contributed to the engraving of a large number of Greek banknotes during the 1960s and 1970s. His technique and the quality of his work enabled the Greek government to safely proceed with the engraving of banknotes domestically, without having to rely on foreign companies as it had in the past.

Orfanou’s work, however, was more extensive and also included security projects for the Greek government (OGA, Hellenic Post, etc.), the majority of which were printed by the Aspiotis-ELKA SA Graphic Arts Company, as well as to personal artistic creations. Through short narratives, the exhibition aims to present his work comprehensively, while also using the physical artifacts of his work to trace his activities in the international arena.

The exhibition is organized by the Historical Archive of the National Bank of Greece in collaboration with the engraver’s son, Minos Orfanos, who has graciously donated nearly the entire collection of exhibits to the archive for this purpose. In fact, some of these specific items have already been donated by him and incorporated into the permanent collections of the Historical Archive of the National Bank of Greece. A small number of exhibits are on loan from other institutions, such as the artist’s self-portrait from the MIET collection.

The works of Lambros Orfanos are displayed within the exhibition spaces of the Diomedes Building, where they serve to interpret the historical artifacts in the various thematic sections of the permanent exhibitions. These sections cover the history of the Greek banknote (1822–2002), the history of the National Bank of Greece, and aspects of the history of the Aspiotis-ELKA Graphic Arts Company. As a result, a new exhibition narrative is created, in dialogue with the existing ones, which enhances the interpretive power of the exhibits while enriching the overall experience of the HA/NBG visitor.

Duration: 25 May 2026 – 14 March 2027

Venue:Diomedes Building, 146 3rd of September Street

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 – 14:00

Thursday 15:00 – 20:00

Admission is free