Paintelling: Travelling with the symbols and myths of the "Rigas' Charta"

The Onassis Library houses a rare copy of the Charta of Rigas Velestinlis, a man who cleverly managed to hide his dream for an independent Greece within this map he created.

For yet another year, the Rigas' Charta is being made an interactive game where you get to discover its secrets, and decipher the messages that helped prepare the Greek people –then living under Ottoman rule– for the Revolution that broke out in 1821.

Painting and storytelling, the spoken word and movement, and materials brought to life – all come together in this unique narrative art form that guides you on an informative journey, opening doorways toward the imagination, expression, and creativity along the way. Come in contact with little-known stories about coins and ancient monuments, historic battles and mythical heroes, kings and philosophers, and be inspired to create your own symbols brimming with secret meanings. At the end of the workshop, you’ll get to use coloring materials to create your own map and, with the help of an augmented reality (AR) app, you’ll get to discover all the secret symbols on the Charta and see them brought to life before your very eyes.

Journey back to the 18th century and join in the adventure promised by the history of Rigas Velestinlis.