Overview:

The Melina Mercouri Monument in Athens, Greece is a memorial to the late actress, politician and activist, who was born in the city in 1920. A symbol of modern Greek culture and cinema, Melina Mercouri is best known for her roles in the films Never on Sunday and Topkapi. The monument was commissioned by the Municipality of Athens and designed by Greek architect Yannis Aesopos, and it consists of a large bronze bust of the actress, atop a marble pedestal in the center of a public square. The design pays homage to her legacy as a cinematic icon, and is meant to be a place of remembrance for her fans and admirers. The monument was unveiled in 2002. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Melina Mercouri Monument in Greece is a bronze statue of the Greek actress and politician that stands in front of the Parthenon in Athens. The monument was created by Jorinde Voigt and was presented to the city in 2000 by the Greek National Opera. The statue stands at 3.2 meters high and depicts Melina Mercouri as a ray of sun, her favourite symbol. The statue consists of three silver-plated bronze figures that represent her passion for art and culture. The monument serves as a graceful tribute to Mercouri's role in Greece's struggle for freedom from oppression. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Melina Mercouri Monument (Greek: Μνημείο της Μελίνας Μερκούρης) is a memorial monument in Athens, Greece. The memorial is dedicated to Melina Mercouri, a prominent Greek actress and politician who served as the Minister of Culture from 1981 - 1989. The memorial was designed by the famous Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who was inspired by the work of the artist Yannis Tsarouchis, who had a long-standing relationship with Mercouri. The monument stands outside the Technopolis in Gazi, a complex founded by the late actor cum politician. The structure consists of three steel frames, on top of which are placed triangular plaques bearing quotes from Mercouri’s speeches and poems in Greek. The frames, in turn, are encircled by red marble cubes, with the names of different Greek cities inscribed in them. On the plinths of the installation is a bust of Mercouri, made from marble and earth, created by sculptor Giorgos Zoggolopoulos. The monument was unveiled in 2018, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mercouri’s passing. It stands as an important symbol of Greek culture and politics, and is visited by numerous Greek citizens, tourists, and politicians. It provides a lasting legacy to a prominent politician and cultural figure, and her impact on modern Greece. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Melina Mercouri Monument in Greece is the first public monument dedicated to a female artist and performer. 2. The statue was designed by renowned Greek sculptor Takis, and was unveiled in 2006. 3. Melina Mercouri was a Greek actress, singer, and politician who served as the Minister of Culture from 1981-1989. 4. She was a major presence in the entertainment industry in both Greece and the United States. 5. Her 1960 Academy Award-nominated performance in the film “Never on Sunday” helped to make Greek film more widely known and respected. 6. In the late 1980s, due to her political activities, Mercouri gained the reputation as the “Iron Lady of Greece.” 7. She was an advocate of the return of the Parthenon Marbles, which were taken by the British government in 1801. 8. The sculpture is a re-interpretation of the iconic running figure of the Parthenon frieze, but with the head of Mercouri and her signature. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era