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The Muses, found in Greek and Roman mythology, were believed to have been the sources of inspiration that propel people toward creativity. They are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. We have adapted them, ever so slightly, to fit the constantly evolving needs of todays' world. They are:

• Erato, Muse of Love Songs
• Euterpe, Muse of Music
• Kalliope, Muse of Poetry and Stories
• Klio, Muse of Social Studies
• Melpomene, Muse of Drama
• Polyhymnia, Muse of Sacred Music
• Terpsichore, Muse of Dance
• Thalia, Muse of Comedy
• Urania, Muse of Science

When you look up the word muse in the dictionary, you'll discover many words derived from it that relate to learning. Mosaic (the first web browser!), museum, music, to name a few, are direct descendents of the word muse.

The Muses, as represented here in CafeMuse, are symbols of our deep connections to our inner selves. Though they don't actually exist as flesh and blood creatures, they exist in the realm of our mind's and body's ancient connections with our ancestors. They are symbols that often help to stir the imagination and enhance creativity.

We believe that every individual has direct access to these realms of creativity, inspiration, and expression. Together, they form a key psychological element that propels each of us toward self-discovery and self-realization throughout our lives.

CafeMuse promotes its educational mission through its array of online resources and acitivities inspired and supported by this symbolic representation of the Muses.

CafeMuse aspires to create synergy based on the time honored traditions of the ancient Greek gymnasium, where people gathered not only for sports and exercise as we know it, but also for discussion with learned people. We also honor the more recent traditions of the Parisian bistros, Manhattan cybercafes, and Cairo coffeeshops where creative people come to meet and discuss ideas about anything and everything.