National Historical Museum to Exhibit ‘Daughter of Greece’ and Xenokratis Relics in Messolonghi
To commemorate the bicentenary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, the Ministry of Culture and the National Historical Museum are co-organising a historically significant exhibition. Titled “Echoes of the Exodus: The ‘Daughter of Greece’ and Relics of Konstantinos Xenokratis,” the exhibition will be hosted at the Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum in Messolonghi during the second half of 2026. Its aim is to illuminate the multifaceted aspects of historical memory, highlighting philhellenism, national benefaction, and the power of the symbols that shaped modern Greek identity. The central exhibit is the authentic marble sculpture by the eminent French philhellene sculptor David d’Angers, the famous “Daughter of Greece.” This iconic work, crafted to adorn the tomb of Markos Botsaris, returns to Messolonghi for the first time since 1852.
To commemorate the bicentenary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, the Ministry of Culture and the National Historical Museum are co-organising a historically significant exhibition. Titled “Echoes of the Exodus: The ‘Daughter of Greece’ and Relics of Konstantinos Xenokratis,” the exhibition will be hosted at the Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum in Messolonghi during the second half of 2026. Its aim is to illuminate the multifaceted aspects of historical memory, highlighting philhellenism, national benefaction, and the power of the symbols that shaped modern Greek identity.
The central exhibit is the authentic marble sculpture by the eminent French philhellene sculptor David d’Angers, the famous “Daughter of Greece.” This iconic work, crafted to adorn the tomb of Markos Botsaris in the Garden of Heroes, returns to Messolonghi for the first time since 1852. Its temporary re-entry into the place with which it is inextricably linked, following its vandalism and transfer to France for restoration, is an event of singular importance, underscoring the enduring radiance of the Exodus.
Concurrently, the exhibition honours Konstantinos Xenokratis, a hero of the Greek War of Independence and a significant national benefactor. His figure, indelibly associated with Messolonghi, is brought to life through the presentation of his precious personal effects, preserved as relics in the National Historical Museum.
Among these, the tunic from his uniform stands out as the only surviving authentic piece of uniform from the 1821 Sacred Band. The display of these objects offers a rare, tangible connection to an emblematic figure of the struggle and of national beneficence.
The choice of exhibition venue further reinforces the symbolic significance of the event. Xenokratis’s relics are being exhibited for the first time at the Xenokrateio, the imposing mansion erected between 1885 and 1889 thanks to his generous bequest. The building, which was once one of the city’s oldest educational institutions and now serves as the central archaeological museum of Aetolia-Acarnania, welcomes the artifacts of its founder’s life, forging a bridge between the city’s past and present.
Source: Days of Art in Greece