A remarkable tribute to the life and work of Mikis Theodorakis is on show this summer at the Municipal Art Gallery of Heraklion, housed in the historic Basilica of St. Mark. Open to the public until 20 August 2025, the exhibition is free to enter and supported by the Region of Crete.

Titled “Mikis Theodorakis: The Cretan, Universal Greek”, the exhibition brings together works from prominent Greek artists and poets, curated and presented in collaboration with the Pancretan Association of Friends of Mikis Theodorakis, the University of Ioannina’s Department of Fine Arts and Art Sciences, and the Union of Greek Printmakers.

Every painting, poem, print, sculpture and installation has been created specifically for this homage. The result is a moving, multi-sensory journey through the cultural, political and emotional legacy of one of Greece’s most beloved composers.

What You’ll See

Expect a diverse collection of work—visual and literary—from well-established and emerging voices. Printmaking takes centre stage thanks to collaborations with the University of Ioannina and the Union of Greek Printmakers. Several group and individual contributions span across generations and styles, all echoing Theodorakis’ enduring influence on Greek art and society.

A highlight is “MIKIS SATELLITES”, a video art project by Asteris Kutulas first presented in Berlin in 2023. There's also a strong presence from artists personally inspired by Theodorakis, such as Giorgos Argyrakis (with resistance-era prints from 1970s Berlin), sculptor Kyriakos Rokos, and Dimitris Ratsikas, who exhibits striking portraits created in 1973 Paris.

Voices and Memories

The exhibition doesn’t only speak through images. It includes personal testimonies by biologist Laokratia Lakka, recounting moments from Theodorakis’ exile in Paris—his friendships, his artistic circle, and his deep involvement in the anti-dictatorship movement.

Equally captivating are historical materials documenting his relationship with German artist Joseph Beuys, shared by art historian and archaeologist Rea Sriggari-Thonges. Among them is their joint TV appearance in 1973 Germany under the theme “Politicisation through Art”.

Poetry for Mikis

Poets participating in the exhibition include some of Greece’s most celebrated voices—Nasos Vagenas, Giorgos Veis, Zefi Daraki, Giorgos Markopoulos, Manolis Pratikakis, and others—who contribute heartfelt texts that reflect personal encounters with Theodorakis’ music and philosophy.

The event poster was designed by Giorgos Argyrakis, and the exhibition itself is the creative vision of visual artist Fotini Kokolaki. The cultural program is curated under the title “The Spiritual and Musical Gift of Mikis Theodorakis to the Greek People”.

If you’re in Heraklion this August, this exhibition is not to be missed. It’s a celebration of art, memory and music that captures the timeless spirit of a man who helped define modern Greece.