Exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972”

A series of exhibitions

The exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972” is the 2nd in a series of exhibitions presenting the history of Commercial Credit Bank. It is the continuation of the exhibition “Alpha Bank/History Ι: Banque de Crédit Commercial Hellénique, 1924-1947”, held in the same venue in November 2010, and covering the history of the bank over the years 1924-1947.

Aim of the exhibition

The aim of the exhibition is to present the course of Commercial Credit Bank over the years 1947-1972 through exceptionally rich and diverse material.

It was a period of great growth for Greece. Commercial Credit Bank also grew rapidly. It became a key player in the economy, solidifying its position in the Greek banking sector.

Contents of the exhibition

The exhibition presents, in successive sections, the changes in the corporate character of the bank, its human resources and the development of its activities. The network of branches of the Commercial Credit Bank is presented next, as the bank became national during the period 1947-1972.

Particular emphasis is placed on technology and innovation, as Commercial Credit Bank was a pioneer in this sector. The bank’s promotional activities also stand out and are presented in a dedicated section. The last section of the exhibition presents the cultural activities of the bank, which started during this period and gradually became more significant and diverse.

Extended exhibition

The exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972” was initially supposed to run until September 2013. However, it is extended until November. This gives the opportunity to visitors, personnel and customers alike to become acquainted with the banking concepts of a past era, through diverse exhibition materials (video, photographs, machines).

Guided tours

Guided tours can be organised during the exhibition, upon request.

Exhibition catalogue

The exhibition is accompanied by the catalogue Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972, which is divided into 7 sections:

• Changes in the corporate character.
• Human resources.
• Development of activities.
• Expansion of branch network.
• Technology and innovation.
• Promotion.
• Cultural activities of the bank.

Each section features select samples from the rich and diverse material of the Alpha Bank Historical Archives.

The publication includes photographs, advertisements, various bank documents, printed issues, works of art, teller machines, etc. The exhibits are complemented by graphs showing the Commercial Credit Bank financial figures over the years 1947-1972, as well as the timeline of the main events that determined its course during the period.

Buy the publication Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972 on the Alpha Bank e-shop.

A bilingual documentary

For the purposes of the exhibition a short bilingual documentary was produced on the history of Commercial Credit Bank over the years 1947-1972.

The documentary is largely based on material from the Historical Archives that is presented in the exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972.” It also includes additional rare footage from records and libraries of other institutions and organisations, such as the photographic records of the Benaki Museum.

Press Releases

Read more on the exhibition “Alpha Bank/History ΙΙ: Commercial Credit Bank, 1947-1972” in the relevant Alpha Bank Press Release (in Greek).