A major exhibition dedicated to the artistic history of the Teatro Giacomo Puccini – National Theater of Rhodes will be presented in May 2027 by the Municipality of Rhodes, with the support of the Municipality of Rhodes Museum of Modern Greek Art, the General State Archives – Rhodes Branch, and the Citizens’ Movement for Rhodes.
The exhibition, titled “Teatro Giacomo Puccini – National Theater of Rhodes 1937–2007,” will be hosted in the New Wing of the Nestorideion Melathron at the Museum of Modern Greek Art of the Municipality of Rhodes and is the result of a long-term research effort by Rhodian musicianand performer Iris Mavraki.
Iris Mavraki, who lives in England, has devoted many years to searching for and compiling archival material, with the aim of highlighting unknown and lesser-known aspects of the artistic life associated with the National Theater of Rhodes. Through a persistent process of research, source discovery, and communication with private individuals who preserve valuable artifacts, he has managed to compile a particularly interesting and rich body of material.
A significant portion of the research was conducted in archival collections and historical sources, including the General State Archives – Rhodes Branch and the Rhodes Public Central Library, while publications and newspapers, as well as private archives and collections, were also utilized. The contribution of individuals who have preserved photographs and other artifacts over the years was crucial to the creation of the exhibition.
The material gathered includes photographs, publications, articles, documents, newspaper clippings, tickets, programs, and posters, creating a valuable archival collection through which visitors can trace the presence and evolution of the performing arts and cultural events hosted at the National Theater of Rhodes.
At the same time, the exhibition represents an effort to preserve, compile, and highlight the cultural memory of Rhodes. Iris Mavraki’s personal research brings together scattered artifacts, many of which have remained until now in private collections or archival sources, into a cohesive exhibition accessible to the public.
The presentation of this material takes on particular significance as it sheds light not only on the history of an iconic cultural venue (from 1937 to 2007), but above all the people, artistic activities, and events associated with it. This project is the result of a personal initiative and Iris Mavraki’s long-standing commitment to researching and documenting this material.