Chicago's National Hellenic Museum hosts marathon reading of Homer's epic Odyssey, October 23-24, with public participation and readings in Greek, Spanish, Czech, German and more

The ancient Greek poet Homer’s Odyssey is arguably the greatest adventure story ever told, inspiring contemporary films and literary adaptations about heroes embarking on fateful journeys as they make their way home. The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies are proud to co-present their popular Homerathon, a reading of the Odyssey aloud in its entirety with public participation, on Thursday, October 23 from 12:30–8 p.m. and Friday, October 24 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Museum (333 S. Halsted Street, Chicago). Museum admission is free on both dates for this special event. To learn more and register as a reader, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2025.

"Through the lens of Greek history and culture, the National Hellenic Museum explores stories of resilience, migration and belonging," says NHM Executive Director Marianne Kountoures. “While Homer’s Odyssey is an ancient story, its universal themes of loyalty, friendship, temptation, deception, and the search for home still resonate today with audiences, bridging generations and cultures. We are not just looking back, we are creating space for dialogue, discovery and connection.”

This year’s Homerathon is part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s Journey Chicago event series. Through this partnership, other cultural organizations will join NHM to read passages of the Odyssey in languages including Spanish, Czech, German and Polish. Chicagoland Greek school students will read in modern and ancient Greek.

Lifelong learners of all ages with an interest in storytelling and mythology are encouraged to sign up in advance to read aloud a short three-minute passage from the Odyssey. School groups are welcome. Select passages will be reserved for walk-in guests. Along with English and ancient Greek, translations into Spanish and modern Greek will be available to the public. Registration is now open and descriptions of the Odyssey passages available for recitation are listed at nationalhellenicmuseum.org/homerathon-2025.

The original text of Homer’s Odyssey was written in ancient Greek. During Homerathon on October 23 and 24, readings will primarily be from Professor Stanley Lombardo's English-language translation.

“Professor Lombardo's mission was to translate Homer's words to make them as exciting and engaging to hear aloud as the original Greek would have been to its first audiences. He read the audiobook version himself, so you know he worked hard to make his translation readable,” says Krishni Burns, Senior Lecturer of Latin at UIC’s Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies. “We will also have the original Greek available, along with modern Greek and Spanish translations, among others. If you would like to read in any languages other than English, just let us know!"

Alongside the readings, educational activities will be offered throughout Homerathon, including play areas with replicas of ancient children's toys such as astragaloi (ancient dice), and mythology-based coloring activities and puzzles.

The National Hellenic Museum (333 S. Halsted Street, Chicago) presents Homerathon in partnership with the UIC Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies on Thursday, October 23 from 12:30–8 p.m. and Friday, October 24 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Museum admission is free to all during this special event. NHM Members receive free admission year-round. For more information on current exhibitions, events and memberships, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

Homerathon attendees will have access to explore the entire Museum, including NHM’s core exhibition Reaching for the American Dream: The Greek Story in America as well as current exhibitions Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White and Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: Protecting the Future of Faith.

The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) is a nonprofit public history museum located in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, with a mission to share Greek history, art, culture, and the Greek American story in relevant and meaningful ways. NHM brings the Greek American experience to life through engaging exhibitions, dynamic programs, and spirited community events that celebrate both legacy and possibility. The Museum’s collection of over 10,000 artifacts and oral histories tells a powerful story—one that shares the personal journeys of immigrants shaping life in America. Originally founded in 1983 and located in Greektown since 2011, NHM provides lifelong learning for the community and sparks inquiry and discussion about the broader issues in our lives and society. Regular Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.