A bronze statue of the legendary soprano Maria Callas, created by Greek sculptor Nikos Floros, now graces the main building of UNESCO in Paris. The unveiling took place on Thursday, April 3, following an initiative by the Permanent Delegation of Greece to UNESCO, in collaboration with the Italian Delegation.
During the inauguration, Greece’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, emphasized that Maria Callas was a global Greek icon—”a Diva,” as the world came to know her—whose extraordinary voice brought opera beyond the grand halls of traditional theaters, expanding its audience and reach. “With her Mediterranean temperament and relentless pursuit of perfection, Callas will forever be a goodwill ambassador of UNESCO,” Koumoutsakos remarked.
Sculptor Nikos Floros explained that he chose bronze as the medium for his work because it is “a strong and timeless material, much like Callas’ talent and legacy.” He expressed his satisfaction that, after previous exhibitions in Venice and Rome, the statue now finds its place at UNESCO—an institution “dedicated to preserving culture and the world’s collective memory.”
Italian Permanent Representative Liborio Stellino also spoke at the event, noting that the statue honors not only her Greek heritage and the triumphs of her career in Italy, but above all, the universal and timeless nature of her art.
It is worth noting that the Greek Ministry of Culture had declared 2023 the “Year of Maria Callas,” marking 100 years since the birth of the greatest and most celebrated soprano in the history of opera. The centennial was officially included in UNESCO’s list of anniversaries celebrated in 2023.
