Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre Lights Up For Christmas

Together with visitors of all ages and actor Dimitris Kouroumbalis as a host, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) in Athens was transformed into a bright place of celebration overnight, in a glittering event at the Agora.

For the fifth consecutive year, four impressive light installations created by prominent foreign and Greek artists were presented at Stavros Niarchos Park, rolling out the magic of the SNFCC Christmas world.

There were also thousands of Christmas lights, three lavishly decorated tall Christmas trees, festive choreographies by the Canal Fountains, four-light installations at the Stavros Niarchos Park, and of course festive melodies from the young musicians of El Sistema Greece and Onirama.

Visitors are able to walk through the dreamy atmosphere of the Dome, the Great Lawn, the Pine Grove, and the Green Roofs that highlight the boundaries between light, colour, and motion, with many activities on offer for people of all ages.

At the SNFCC Christmas World, December is a month full of festivities – including the Ice Rink at the Canal, which is set to commence on December 10 and every day holds a new surprise for all.

The Christmas Stories at the Lighthouse, as well as music, sports, play and fun, art and creativity, all turn into a special event, setting the brightest Christmas memories at the SNFCC.

Photos by SNFCC | Nikos Karanikolas and Danai Kokkinaki

Benaki Museum Presents “Treasures of Philhellenic Painting”

In honour of the 200 Year Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in Athens presents the philhellenic collection by the Anthony E. Comninos Foundation titled “Treasures of Philhellenic Painting.”

Featuring paintings by renowned 19th-Century European artists; each piece highlights Greece’s struggle for independence, the country’s ancient and modern ideals, and its efforts to establish a modern nation.

Insights Greece - Benaki Museum Presents “Treasures of Philhellenic Painting”
Collection by Anthony E. Comninos Foundation

Curator and art historian Dr Fani-Maria Tsigkakou has brought together a wonderful collection of 30 works by prominent European painters of various nationalities including Italians, Germans, English, and French, all of the 19th century; and each piece was carefully selected and divided into three sections.

The first section of the exhibition features landscape paintings, the second section highlights Greece’s struggle during the revolution and the third section, which is located in the centre of the room, draws its themes from everyday life during this challenging period.

Some of the prominent artists whose work is on display include Peter Heinrich Lambert von Hess, Martinus Christian, Wesseltoft Rorbye, Ludovico Lipparini, Denis Dighton, Henry Nelson O’Neil, and Konstantin Johann Franz Cretius.

This is the final exhibition at the Benaki Museum honouring the bicentennial anniversary of Greece’s War of Independence.  

Insights Greece - Benaki Museum Presents “Treasures of Philhellenic Painting”
Painting by Peter Heinrich Lambert von Hess | Anthony E. Comninos Foundation

Admission: Free

A: 1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave. Athens

From: 3rd of November, 2021 to 9th of January, 2022

Opening Hours: 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday- 10 am to 6 pm 

Tuesday- Closed

Thursday- 10 am to Midnight 

Sunday- 10 am to 4 pm 

For more details head to Benaki Museum 

Images Courtesy of the Anthony E. Comninos Foundation