Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler (1926–2026)

It is with deep sorrow that the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation bids farewell to Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, one of the most eminent figures in Byzantine studies internationally and an exceptional personality whose contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of Greece and Europe was profound.

Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler was a close friend and companion in vision to Basil and Elise Goulandris, sharing their aspiration for a vibrant cultural institution with an international outlook. For many years, she served as Vice President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, offering her generosity of spirit, moral integrity and scholarly distinction.

Her academic career was historic. She was the first woman to be elected Rector of the Sorbonne, paving the way at a time when women’s presence in leading academic positions was extremely limited.

For our Foundation, her loss is deeply personal.

Her memory, her example and her intellectual legacy will continue to guide us.

With profound emotion, we bid farewell to Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, a remarkable figure of intellect, scholarship, education and public service.

For the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler was far more than a distinguished Byzantinist and internationally acclaimed academic. She was a close friend of Basil and Elise Goulandris, a companion in their vision, and for many years Vice President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, offering her generosity of thought, integrity and deep historical insight.

Her imprint on scholarship, culture and public life was invaluable. Her path and her work will continue to inspire generations of researchers, students and citizens.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of us at the Foundation, I extend my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

Her memory will remain alive.

On 20 November 2023, the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation organised a tribute event dedicated to Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, honouring her enduring contribution to scholarship, culture and to the Foundation itself.

Speakers included former President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos, poet and writer Titos Patrikios, the Foundation’s General Director Kyriakos Koutsomallis, Professor of Psychology at Panteion University and writer Fotini Tsalikoglou, and poet and writer Vangelis Chronis.

The event was moderated by journalist and writer Anna Grimani, while pianist Natalia Michailidou performed works by Chopin, Ravel and other composers.

The tribute highlighted not only her scholarly authority, but also the deeply human dimension of her personality.

Watch the full event: