ATHENS, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- As Greece explores the road to economic recovery and growth eight years since the debt crisis, an exhibition that kicked off in Athens this month takes visitors back on a journey to the remarkable past of Greek industrial development.

Themed "160 Years Made in Greece: Industry, Innovation, Novelty", the exhibition is being held at the Industrial Gas Museum, one of the landmarks in Athens and a cultural hub.

Over 800 exhibits put on display for the first time, including rare documents, old advertisements, photos and audiovisual footage, present the history of Greece's industrial development from the 19th century to the de-industrialization of the 1980s.

The exhibition highlights the eight most significant industries, including the food and beverages sector, the textile and clothing industry, and the energy sector.

"The exhibition launches a very interesting debate on the past, present and future of Greek industry at a period when our main goal is growth and economic recovery," said Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis.

Maria Florou, the museum's director, said that despite the slowing down in recent years, Greek industries still have strong potential, especially food products, the metal industry and the chemicals sector.

"There are several companies founded 70, 80 or 100 years ago that are still here and keep evolving and moving forward strong," Florou stressed.

"It was ... the textile industry that was mostly hit," she added, giving the example of ETMA, a Greek company producing man-made fibers. Founded in the center of Athens in 1925, it decided to face the crisis by opening up and moving as far away as China, where it established its rayon plant.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated on Jan. 18, will be on till March 25.