Harry Truman Statue

Just a short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium, the Harry Truman Statue in Athens is a tribute to the 33rd president of the United States, who was instrumental in founding the state of Israel. The statue was dedicated on October 26th, 1992, on the University of Athens campus.

Truman served as president from 1945 to 1953. He is best known for his role in the development of the atomic bomb and his efforts to contain communism during the Cold War.

He was also a strong supporter of the state of Israel and recognized its independence in 1948. The Harry Truman Statue in Athens was erected to honour his contributions to both the United States and Greece.

During its 50-year history, the Harry Truman Statue in Athens has seen many acts of vandalism from those voicing anti-American sentiment with origins older than the statue itself.

During Greece’s military dictatorship between 1967 – 1974, there were two bombings. One of them, in 1971, killed an on-duty policeman.

In 1986, perhaps the most memorable episode occurred when a leftist group protesting “American imperialism” in Greece bombed the monument. In a follow-up on 15th January 1987, The New York Times published the article “Athens Said to Agree to Put Truman Statue Back.” The Times called the matter a “deeply symbolic issue” while recounting what took place nearly one year before when protestors attacked it.

In April 2018, during a protest against American, British and French airstrikes in Syria, the communist-affiliated union PAME tried to remove the statue by using a metal grinder to cut off its feet and bring it down with ropes. But riot police intervened and dispersed the crowd.

The 12-foot golden bronze statue was donated by the American Hellenic Educational Association in commemoration of the aid Truman rendered to Greece in the late 1940s.

It stands nearly 10 feet tall. It depicts Truman standing with his arms outstretched as if greeting visitors to the University of Athens. The inscription on the statue reads, “Harry S. Truman 33rd President of the United States of America, 1945-1953.”

If you are visiting the Harry Truman statue in Pangrati, Athens, there are a few things to see and notice:

The statue itself

The Harry Truman statue is the main attraction, and it is worth taking a close look at the statue to appreciate the details of the sculpture. 

The park

The statue is located very near a small park in the middle of Varnava Square. The park features trees and benches, and it is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. From the park, you can enjoy views of the surrounding neighbourhood, including the nearby Panathenaic Stadium and the First Cemetery of Athens.

The history

The Harry Truman statue was erected in honour of the former US president’s role in helping to rebuild Greece after World War II. It is worth taking a moment to reflect on this history and the statue’s significance.

If you’re looking for the best places to take photos, videos, and capture the perfect Instagram shot of the Harry Truman statue in Pangrati, Athens, here are a few suggestions:

In front of the statue

The most obvious spot for a photo with the Harry Truman statue is right in front of it. You can get a great shot of the statue and its surroundings by standing directly in front of it and framing your photo to capture the statue and the park behind it.

From the side of the statue

Another great spot for a photo is from the side of the statue. This will allow you to capture the statue and the park from a different angle and can result in a more interesting and unique shot.

From a distance

To capture the Harry Truman statue and show off its location in the park, consider taking a photo from a distance. You can get a great shot of the statue and the trees surrounding it from the path that runs through the park.

At sunset

For a more atmospheric shot, visit the Harry Truman statue during sunset. The warm, golden light of the setting sun can make for a stunning backdrop and can add a magical quality to your photos.

Overall, there are many great spots to capture the perfect photo or video of the Harry Truman statue in Pangrati, Athens. By experimenting with different angles and lighting, you can create a beautiful and memorable image to share on Instagram or other social media platforms.