May 2025
In a significant addition to its collection, the Maria Callas Museum in Athens has unveiled two iconic costumes worn by the legendary soprano during her performances at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala. These costumes, from the operas Iphigenia in Tauris (1956/1957 season) and Macbeth (1952/1953 season), are on loan from La Scala and will be exhibited until May 2024.
The Iphigenia in Tauris costume, designed by Nicola Benois, reflects influences from Italian artists Veronese and Tiepolo, capturing the essence of Gluck’s opera. The Macbeth costume, also by Benois, showcases a medieval style befitting Verdi’s tragic narrative.
These additions enhance the museum’s immersive experience, which includes themed rooms dedicated to Callas’s signature roles in Norma, Tosca, and La Traviata. Visitors can also explore a recreation of her Paris apartment and listen to recordings of her masterclasses at the Juilliard School.
Since its opening in October 2023, coinciding with the centenary of Callas’s birth, the museum has attracted over 38,000 visitors from more than 50 countries. Its innovative approach to storytelling and dedication to preserving Callas’s legacy have earned it a nomination for the European Museum of the Year Award 2025.
The Maria Callas Museum continues to celebrate the life and artistry of one of opera’s most iconic figures, offering visitors a comprehensive and engaging journey through her remarkable career.
