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🎭Athens culture & lifestyle

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Friday, 16 October 2026

Betty Valasi, the 'Loxandra' of Greek television, has died

Betty Valasi sitting in a room in a television still
Betty Valasi sitting in a room in a television still Image: protothema.gr

The actress Betty Valasi died at the age of 89. Her civil funeral will be held on Monday, October 19 at 11:30 at the First Cemetery, while Finos Film bid her farewell with a post.

Why it matters She was one of the most recognizable figures of the Greek stage and television, with her role as 'Loxandra' marking her.

100 years of 'Cahiers d'Art': anniversary exhibition at the Benaki Museum

Cahiers d’Art: 100 years of art and avant-garde at the Benaki Museum
Cahiers d’Art: 100 years of art and avant-garde at the Benaki Museum Image: lifo.gr

An exhibition on the 100 years since the circulation of the magazine Cahiers d'Art, which decisively influenced modern art, opened at the Benaki Museum on Koumbari Street. The exhibition highlights the interaction of the museum's collections with the pages of the publication.

Why it matters Athens enters the international anniversary tribute to a historic art magazine.

Roadmap for Greek-French cultural collaborations

Lina Mendoni and an official posing together in an office
Lina Mendoni and an official posing together in an office Image: protothema.gr

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and French Ambassador Nicolas Kassianides agreed on the immediate drafting of a roadmap for joint actions in cultural heritage, museums, cinema and audiovisual.

Why it matters It sets the framework for a series of joint Greek-French programs in the coming years.

Earlier on this storyIsrael returned 22 antiquities to Greece

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Greek films on the shortlist of the European Awards – the ceremony in Athens

A young girl looking back while riding a motorcycle
A young girl looking back while riding a motorcycle Image: athensvoice.gr

The shortlist of the 39th European Film Awards was announced, including Greek feature-length and short-length productions. The award ceremony will take place in Athens on January 16, 2027, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Why it matters The event is coming to the city and the Greek entries give international visibility to domestic production.

“Cahiers d’art, 100 Years”: antiquity and modern art at the Benaki Museum

An exhibition featuring art pieces and projections at Benaki Museum
An exhibition featuring art pieces and projections at Benaki Museum Image: popaganda.gr

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in Kolonaki presents an exhibition for the 100 years of the magazine Cahiers d’art, with rare exhibits from its collections.

Why it matters It brings together archaic objects and modernism, in a museum that usually remains in the shadow of the Pireos Street annex.

“The Murderess” with Karabeti at the National Theatre – two additional performances

Karyofyllia Karambeti standing outdoors at night
Karyofyllia Karambeti standing outdoors at night Image: protothema.gr

Papadiamantis’s “The Murderess”, with music by Giorgos Koumentakis and Karyofyllia Karabeti, is presented on the Main Stage of the Tsiller Building, in a co-production of the National Theatre and the Greek National Opera. Performances were added on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25.

Why it matters It is one of the central productions of the season, with great audience interest that led to additional performances.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Israel returned 22 antiquities to Greece

Lina Mendoni and others looking at antiquities in a display case
Lina Mendoni and others looking at antiquities in a display case Image: protothema.gr

At a ceremony in the Altar Hall of the National Archaeological Museum, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni received from Israel's ambassador Pninat Yannay 22 antiquities, vessels and a statuette, which had been illegally taken out of the country. Mendoni described the protection of cultural heritage as a collective responsibility.

Why it matters A rare return of antiquities that shows how the claiming of cultural goods now operates.

The documentary 'NAZA' comes to Stegi and its directors speak

A man and a woman posing for a portrait
A man and a woman posing for a portrait Image: lifo.gr

The award-winning documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, made from anonymous testimonies of 24 Israeli officers and soldiers, is screened for one night on the Main Stage of Stegi on October 21. In an interview with LiFO, the creators talk about the film that made them unwanted in their country.

Why it matters One of the most talked-about films of the year is playing in Athens for only one screening.

67th TIFF: the Greek programme and the withdrawal of a film

A person walking on a path through a misty park
A person walking on a path through a misty park Image: protothema.gr

At the 67th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, 26 feature-length and 27 short Greek films will be screened, with 19 of the feature-length ones having their premiere. Director Thanasis Neofotistos and his production withdrew 'The Boy with the Blue Eyes' from the festival, disagreeing with its inclusion in the Film Forward section.

Why it matters It defines what we will see from Greek cinema this year and shows that disagreements about the festival's sections are open.