Humans and Animals: an eternal bond

From the Canellopoulos Museum Collection to the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris

Temporary Exhibition
National Museum of Natural History Goulandris, 100 Othonos Street, Kifissia
18 November 2026 – 30 April 2027

How did humans and animals interact in antiquity? When was the dog first domesticated? Did lions and panthers once roam in Greece? Why did Aristotle consider octopuses silly? What is zooarchaeology?

Discover the answers to these and many other questions at Humans and Animals: an eternal bond, a new temporary exhibition opening on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, at the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris (100 Othonos Street, Kifissia).

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between two museums and a research center, and included:

• Around 140 archaeological objects with depictions of animals from the CAMU collections
• Zoological specimens from the permanent collection of the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris
• Modern zoological remains from the comparative collection of the M. H. Wiener Laboratory for Archaeological Science at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens

By bringing archaeology and natural history into conversation, the exhibition invites visitors to:

• Explore the roles animals played in the ancient world, from the economy and religion to mythology and leisure
• Compare ancient depictions of animals with real specimens, identifying similarities and differences
• Gain insight into the natural environments inhabited by animals in antiquity
• Discover how animals from the ancient world are studied today.

Designed to engage visitors of all ages, the exhibition offers an accessible and enriching experience, particularly for families with children. It highlights the close connections between humans, animals and the natural environment, while encouraging reflection on our responsibility towards the animal world today.

Exhibition curators: Nikos Papadimitriou – Dimitris Palaiothodoros

 

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

The exhibition is accompanied by a 260-page publication in Greek and English. It includes a catalogue of exhibits along with 14 introductory texts exploring the history of animals in antiquity and the many ways in which humans and animals interacted across different spheres of social life. The texts are authored by specialists in archaeology, biology, zooarchaeology, art history, the history of philosophy and astronomy.

The catalogue presents around 140 objects, most of which are being presented to the public for the first time.

 

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

The exhibition will be accompanied by a varied program of activities for different audiences.

The program below covers activities scheduled through the end of 2026. Details of the 2027 program will be announced in due course.

Educational Programs for Schools

• Ζωοαρχαιολόγοι σε δράση – Educational program for 3rd and 4th grade primary school pupils (in Greek)
  Designed and presented by the Educational Department of the Natural History Museum
  https://www.gnhm.gr/educational_program/zooarchaiologoi-se-drasi-nea-ekthesi-camu-emfig/
• Guided Exhibition Tour – For 3rd to 6th grade primary school pupils (in Greek)
  Designed and presented by the Educational Department of the Natural History Museum
  https://www.gnhm.gr/educational_program/xenagisi-stin-ekthesi-anthropoi-kai-zoa-mia-panarchaia-schesi-nea-ekthesi-camu-emfig/

Weekend Activities

• Ζωο–μεταμορφώσεις στο Μουσείο! – Workshop for children aged 6–9 (in Greek)
  Saturday, 21 November and 5 December, 12:00–13:30
  Designed and presented by the Educational Team of the CAMU
  (Ioanna Zacharopoulou, Archaeologist – Museum Educator, Matina Panagiotopoulou, Archaeologist)

Inclusive Workshops
The program will be announced soon.

Exhibition Guided Tours (in Greek and English)
The program will be announced soon.

 

EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS:

Monday–Friday: 9:00–16:00
Weekends: 10:00–15:00

National Museum of Natural History Goulandris
100 Othonos Street, 145 62 Kifissia, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 801 5870

 

ADMISSION:

Admission to the exhibition is included in the general admission ticket to the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris.
Admission: €12 standard / €7 concession

Participation in the accompanying events and activities requires booking via the website of the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris website.

For further information about the educations programs and the participation fee, please visit the website of the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris via the available links.