Summary
- The exhibition runs from July 29 to August 7, 2026.
- It is hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Florina.
- It combines photography, video, drone imagery and virtual reality.
- The programme includes presentations, a documentary screening and an educational workshop.
- Admission is free.
Event Details
The apo_psila project brings Florina from the screen into a physical exhibition space through photography, video and virtual reality.
The multimedia exhibition “Returning Home” will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Florina from July 29 to August 7, 2026. It marks the physical evolution of the apo_psila project, which has maintained a strong digital presence for more than a year and has generated over 10 million views on social media.
The exhibition is particularly significant because it uses contemporary visual technology not only to highlight Florina’s landscape and architecture, but also to encourage discussion about rural depopulation, local memory and the need to reconnect with one’s roots.
Florina through a new perspective
“Returning Home” uses aerial imagery, video and virtual reality experiences to present the region’s natural environment and settlements from a different perspective.
The drone’s viewpoint removes the visitor from the familiar street-level image and reveals the geometry of the villages, the relationship between buildings and landscape, and the marks left by time on a border region.
An exhibition about return and memory
The idea behind the exhibition emerged from the need of a group of young people to return to their hometown and rediscover it through a contemporary perspective.
At its core lies the contrast between the personal desire to return and the reality of a region struggling to retain its population. Villages and buildings appear tied to the past, while opportunities for the future continue to shrink.
Architectural heritage and forgotten places
On Saturday, August 1, at 19:30, Studio Mneme will present “Architectural Records in Forgotten Places”.
The presentation includes drawings, maps, photographic material and findings from field research, examining the relationship between the built environment, memory, materials and habitation.
Documentary screening and discussion
At 20:00 on the same day, the documentary “Returns – A New Cobblestone Path in Aristi, Zagori”, directed by Argyris Karagiorgas, will be screened.
The documentary presents a participatory workshop on traditional building techniques held in Aristi, Zagori, in 2020. The screening will be followed by a discussion with archaeologist Phaidon Moudopoulos-Athanasiou.
Through the eyes of children
On Sunday, August 2, from 11:00 to 14:00, the educational workshop “Returning Home: Through the Eyes and Voices of Children” will take place.
The programme is aimed at children aged 8 to 12, who will explore the exhibition’s photographs and create collective artworks featuring their own drawings and texts. Their work will become part of the exhibition, offering an alternative interpretation through the eyes of children.
Participation is free, places are limited and prior expression of interest is required.
Exhibition information
The exhibition will be open daily from 18:00 to 21:30 at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Florina.
Admission is free, while the parallel events will take place on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026.
The exhibition is included in the Municipality of Florina’s cultural events programme, is held under its auspices and is supported by its Volunteering Department.
What we think
“Returning Home” demonstrates how drone photography, video and virtual reality can move beyond visual spectacle and become tools for documentation, memory and meaningful discussion about the future of rural Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the “Returning Home” exhibition take place?
The exhibition runs from July 29 to August 7, 2026.
Where is it hosted?
It is hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Florina.
What does the exhibition include?
It includes photography, video, aerial imagery, virtual reality experiences and a programme of educational and cultural activities.
What are the opening hours?
The exhibition is open daily from 18:00 to 21:30.
Is there an admission fee?
No, admission is free.
