Condolence Announcement of the Maria Callas Museum, City of Athens, on the passing of Konstantinos Pylarinos

With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Konstantinos Pylarinos, a man who devoted much of his life to preserving the memory of Maria Callas. A close companion and generous benefactor, he always stood by the legacy of the great diva with respect and affection, offering invaluable support to the mission of our Museum.

In October 2022, Konstantinos and Viktoria Pylarinos donated 52 objects from their personal collection to the City of Athens, making a decisive contribution to the creation of the permanent exhibition of the Maria Callas Museum. This donation includes important memorabilia from both the professional journey and the personal life of Maria Callas. Among them stand out a mirror from La Traviata at La Scala in Milan, a wig from Medea at Epidaurus, a personal album, evening gowns, scores, and photographs of Pylarinos himself with Callas.

Equally noteworthy is the ongoing contribution of the Maria Callas Scholarship Society, which continues to this day in honor of Callas. The institution was established in 1960 at the initiative of Callas herself, with the aim of supporting young talents in opera by giving them the opportunity to study and grow artistically. Konstantinos Pylarinos served as Chairman of its Board of Directors.

The Maria Callas Museum and Technopolis City of Athens, as the managing body of the museum, extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His memory will remain forever alive in the Maria Callas Museum through every object, every story, and every look of admiration from our visitors toward the woman whose legacy he so generously upheld and honored.

Objects from the collection of the Maria Callas Museum, City of Athens. On the left, a pearl necklace, and on the right, Maria Callas’ fan decorated with musical motifs, donations from Konstantinos and Viktoria Pylarinos.