The National Bank of Greece Historical Archives (NBGHA) is participating once again in the 2026 Museum Night celebrations. This year’s ICOM theme, “Museums Connect the World,” serves as the occasion for three generations of artists to come together at the Diomedes Building, engaging in dialogue both with one another and with material from the Archives, within a multifaceted program of art and music.

On the same evening, the Historical Archive’s new temporary exhibition, “Lambros Orfanos: Aspects of Printmaking” (May 25, 2026 – March 14, 2027), will open. The exhibition presents aspects of the work of printmaker Lambros Orfanos (1916–1995) and constitutes an “exhibition within an exhibition,” as it is hosted as an independent yet complementary narrative within the permanent exhibition spaces of the Historical Archives of National Bank of Greece. Orfanos, as an executive at the Bank of Greece, played a decisive role in the creation of Greek banknotes during the 1960s and 1970s. At the same time, he collaborated on various specialized projects with the Greek government and public organizations (OGA, Hellenic Post, etc.). Part of his work is associated with the printing operations of the Aspiotis-ELKA SA Graphic Arts Company, which is housed at the Historical Archives of NBG

The exhibition is organized by the Historical Archives/NBG in collaboration with the engraver’s son, Minos Orfanos, who has kindly loaned the majority of the exhibits, some of which have even been donated to the Historical Archives/NBG. Selected exhibits are on loan from other institutions, such as the Bank of Greece, the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation, and the National Bank of Greece Art Collection.

This year’s Museum Night also features six contemporary artists whose works (visual artworks, installations) inspired by the work of Lambros Orfanos, which complement the historical nature of the temporary exhibition and give a new direction to the visual narrative, enriching the visitor’s overall experience. Featured artists: Eleni Zouba, Melina Jade, Nikos Kanoglou, Konstantina Papanagiotou-Jones, Matina Stavropoulou, Dimitra Triantafyllopoulou.

In addition, the Historical Archives/NBG is opening its doors to students from the Graphic Arts, Typography, and Book Arts at the Athens School of Fine Arts (ASFA), who have designed and are exhibiting personal stories inspired by the collections of the Historical Archive and the work of Lambros Orfanos, under the supervision of ASFA Professor Emerita Leoni Vidali and ETEP member Konstantinos Bakas.

Throughout the evening, guided tours will be conducted for visitors by the exhibition curators and the artists themselves.

Students and teachers from the Apollon Conservatory will accompany the event with a rich musical program, featuring choral performances by the Conservatory’s children’s and mixed choirs and the Pax Choir, as well as a piano recital by soloist Afroditi Kogevina.

The exhibitions by artists and students of the Athens School of Fine Arts will be open until June 26.

The exhibition dedicated to Lambros Orfanos will run until March 14, 2027.

Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday : 10:00-14:00

Thursday: 15:00-20:00

Admission Free