In an atmosphere filled with joy and emotion, the inauguration of the Goulandris Museum of Natural History—following its designation as a National Museum—was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, marking a new era for the cultural institution. After six decades of tireless contribution to environmental protection, this recognition highlights the Museum’s significant scientific and cultural value, as emphasized by the speakers.
The President of the Hellenic Republic presided over the ceremony, describing the institution as a model museum, a jewel of Kifissia, and a source of pride for all of Greece. “The National Museum of Natural History has been, and will continue to be, a living organism of knowledge, just as envisioned by its founders, Angelos and Niki Goulandris—promoting environmental ethics as a foundation for social progress and strengthening the reconnection of humans with nature so that, by destroying it, they do not undermine their own survival,” stated Konstantinos Tasoulas.
The President of the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris, Fali Vogiatzaki, referred among other things to the upgrading of the museum’s infrastructure and laboratory equipment, as well as to efforts to foster connections with corresponding national museums abroad. “Today, the world is changing faster than ecosystems can withstand. The Museum will continue to fight for life and the dissemination of knowledge. In this mission, we invite you to stand beside us,” she noted, adding that Angelos and Niki Goulandris have rightfully been established in the public consciousness as National Benefactors.
Representing the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, stressed that the designation “National” essentially means the support of the Museum’s work by the Hellenic Republic from this point forward. “We must all do whatever we can to protect our natural heritage. The government will not remain a spectator,” he underlined, referring extensively to current environmental policies and pointing out the need for broad cross-party cooperation in this field.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Niki Kerameus, described the moment as a historic milestone, calling the Museum “a beacon of knowledge and environmental awareness.” She particularly highlighted the new opportunities emerging for collaborations with educational institutions and international organizations, as well as access to additional financial instruments—citing as an example the approval of funding for three museum initiatives amounting to nearly half a million euros from the Green Fund.
The Secretary-General for Natural Environment and Water, Petros Varelidis, referred to the Museum’s contribution to informed decision-making concerning environmental protection. “The work of the Museum is crucial in determining where restoration projects are necessary,” he added.
Special mention was made of the exhibition “Biodiversity: Everything is Connected”, which opens to the public on the occasion of the inauguration. George Agouridis, Member and Legal Advisor of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)—whose donation made the exhibition possible—praised the Museum’s pioneering role. “The National Goulandris Museum of Natural History was ahead of its time thanks to the visionary Angelos and Niki Goulandris, as well as the continuation of their work by Ms. Fali Vogiatzaki and her team. It raised our children, and now it raises our grandchildren. It remains a timeless destination of knowledge, awareness, and inspiration.”
The Mayor of Kifissia, Vasilis Xypolytas, described the Museum as a vital cell of the city and part of its identity, pledging that the local authority will support its efforts. “Together, we can make the city a beacon of ecological consciousness,” he concluded.
Dimitris Mazarakis, CEO of Ethniki Hellenic General Insurance Company, interpreted the Museum’s designation as National as a profound acknowledgment of decades of contribution, research, and the safeguarding of environmental awareness. He noted that the organization’s partnership with the Museum is based on three pillars: access and education, research, and culture involving citizen participation.
At the end of the event—hosted by —guests were given a guided tour of the exhibition “Biodiversity: Everything is Connected,” which makes use of modern interactive media.
