Historic Archives
Archives of the District of Corfu, British Barracks Old Fortress, tel. 26610 38193

Preserving the collected memories of over six centuries, the Corfu Records Office is the biggest collection of its kind in the country (approx. 8,500 linear metres of material). It is the richest in historical documents and has been in existence continuously since 1443. It includes priceless collections of illuminated manuscripts on vellum, architectural plans and maps and topographical studies, while the 70 series of records are characterised by the regularity of their flow of documents , chiefly from 1537 and onwards. The Record Office is run according to the most up-to-date European specifications, with researchers having access to all the material which is classified, whether according to administrative periods or according to the department producing the document.

Reading Society

Founded in 1836, it is the oldest cultural organisation in modern Greece. It organises and hosts art exhibitions, seminars, lectures, scientific congresses and musical events. Its library is unique and priceless

 

Society for Corfiot Studies

Founded in 1952 by the outstanding Corfiot historian and journalist Kostas Dafnis. Based in the house where Dionysos Solomos spent the major part of his life in Corfu, home also of the Solomos Museum, its aim is the promotion of the cultural and artistic life of Corfu and the recording and study of its history, economy and folklore. It is also intended to establish, organise and operate public reading rooms and libraries in the town and countryside of Corfu.

 

Astronomical Society
2nd floor, Municipal Theatre, tel. 26610 38278
e-mail: astrocorfu@hotmail.com, www.corfuhomepage.com/old/astro/

In 1924 an observatory was built in Corfu by the Frenchman, Felix Chemla Lamech. Three years later, in 1927, the 'Astronomical Society of Greece' was founded in Corfu. Unique in Greece, in 1927 it started to issue the newsletter 'Urania' in Greek, French and occasionally in German and English. The Society's significant achievements made Corfu world-famous in this field, and it was duly honoured by the Academy of Athens in 1932. We should point out that the name of Felix Lamech was given to one of the Moon's craters and that of the Corfiot astronomist Ioannis Fokas to a crater on Mars.

The Society is active in many fields: it organises observations of the night skies, holds film shows, arranges lectures and speeches by distinguished Greek scientists for the general public and is available for co-operation in any kind of training for further education as well as furthering alternative forms of development (astrotourism). The Society participates in Greek and European conferences, and has undertaken the organisation of the Second Pan-Hellenic Convention of Amateur Astronomists and Astronomical Societies, which took place on 27th and 28th October 2001 in Corfu with international support

 

The Corfu Theatre

The Corfu Theatre was established in 1970 and is the continuation of the old amateur theatrical group, the historic 'Dramatic Society'. It has produced more than 47 works from the Greek and international repertoire, and distinguished itself at many drama festivals, winning awards, praise and admiration. In June 1994 the company produced Euripides' "Troiades" with great success. It was the first time that a local amateur theatre group had produced a classical tragedy in Corfu. In 1998, entirely by its own efforts, the group opened its own theatre with 75 seats , the 'Polytechno' at 39 Schulembourg Street. There is also a Children's Theatre attached to the group. During the current theatrical season, the group plans to produce at its own theatre the play 'Our Town' by Thornton Wilder and the single-act play 'The Human Voice' by Cocteau. There will also be evenings of music with poetry by Giannis Ritsos.

 

The Corfu Ballet

Founded in Corfu in 1970. Together with its ballet group it has taken part in numerous festivals in Greece and abroad, at which it has earned the highest commendation.It has also presented ballets based on Greek local myths and legends. In recent years it has been engaged even more with the research into the field of folklore ( costumes, dances etc). It has taken part in international congresses, at which it has presented work of folkloric content. The group is a member of I.O.V. (the International Organisation of Folk Art) which is based in Austria, as well as of the Greek section of I.O.V, which is based in Athens.

 

Feakes

The theatrical workshop 'Feakes' has taken part in local theatrical activities since 1989, always with well-chosen works of the highest quality. During the last six years it has operated as an experimental theatre group, presenting original works with particular stress on Ionian culture and tradition (Solomos - Theotoki - popular songs, etc) Performances are given for members and friends of the group in a small, 50-seat, theatre in town (54 Solomou Street) while during the summer months many performances are given in the countryside for the inhabitants of Corfu's villages , in co-operation with local councils and cultural societies.

The Shadow Theatre functions alongside the Theatrical Workshop, giving performances of 'Karaghiozi' to both young and older friends of this perhaps most popular of all forms of entertainment.

 

DI.PE.THE : Municipal Travelling Theatre
DI.PE.THE.CORFU, 68 G. Theotoki Street, Corfu. Tel.. 0661-40136, 40156

The Municipal Travelling Theatre was founded on 21 May 1997. Altogether it has presented ten theatrical productions over all its groups (Main group, Children's group, Experimental). These presentations, of which three have traveled to 35 towns in Greece as well as to Lecce in Italy, have been watched by more than 80,000 spectators. At the same time, an annual cycle of events has been organised, under the general title 'May at the Phoenix Theatre' where the work of artists from other parts of Greece may be seen (theatrical, musical, dance etc) Similar events take place throughout the year. Winter performances take place at the historic 'Phoenix Theatre' (tel. 26610-40222)and in the summer at the 'Rena Vlachopoulou Open-Air Theatre of Mon Repos' (tel. 26610-20980)