Hundreds of exciting Christmas events are taking place throughout 52 locations in the Greek Capital, giving locals and visitors the chance to celebrate the festive season with a huge program that’s been designed by the Athens Municipality.
Taking place between December 7, 2021, and January 13, 2022, the Christmas and New Year program involves more than 120 activities for people of all ages, including 25 music and theatre performances, as well as seven open-air film screenings.
“This Christmas, Athens will be celebrating each day, with special events created to make people of all ages smile. Due to the challenges faced by the prolonged pandemic, the municipality of Athens has responded with music, theatre, and Christmas surprises for everyone,” announced Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.
Kotzia Square
Ice Skating Rink
Among the highlights is the opening of the biggest ice skating rink in Athens. Located in Kotzia Square (opposite City Hall) and covering 400 square metres, it’s set to open on December 10. Admission to the rink is free but visitors are required to book via this link here.
There will also be six Christmas “villages” set up in various neighbourhoods, including the suburbs of Acharnes, Kypseli, Pangrati and Goudi, where there will be a range of arts, crafts and hand painting taking place; as well as Santa and his elves, plus other activities and spectacles (including stilt walkers, jugglers, puppets, animateurs, magicians) bringing joy to the streets of Athens.
Athens Centre
Festivities in the Greek Capital
Commencing on December 11, the city’s museums, libraries, galleries, art centres and other venues will also host various workshops for art, narration, theatre games and dance, children’s pantomimes, puppet shows, tours and much more.
The events will also include seven popular Christmas films selected by the Athens Open Air Film Festival and Premiere Nights, that will be screened outdoors in seven different locations in the city between December 17 to 30.
Dior has just released its latest Cruise 2022 Collection campaign, celebrating Greece’s past and present, while putting the spotlight on the Ancient Greek peplos gown- the main source of inspiration for Dior’s entire range created by Maria Grazia Chiuri.
“Dior celebrates Greece by returning to the inspirational origins of the Cruise 2022 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri. In a campaign being unveiled in newspapers around the world, the House perpetuates its close links to the country from its classical past to contemporary present, which included a famous shoot held on the Acropolis in 1951 featuring models in gowns by the founding couturier,” announced Dior.
“That legacy is honored in images shot at the same location, highlighting the rapport with the marble statuary and its draped dresses, translated into myriad modern interpretations of the peplos gown, and looks in a pale palette lifted with the golden glow of ‘Dior Sea Garden’ jewels and ‘Dior Vibe’ sneakers,” added the luxury brand.
A draped, outer garment made of a single piece of cloth that was worn by women in Ancient Greece, a peplos is long, loose-fitting, and held up with pins at the shoulder, and most often featured a belt at the waist; while its top edge was folded over to create a flap.
Revealed in the millennia-old magnificence of the Acropolis in Athens, the collection highlights the art, costume, culture, and craft of Greece’s past and present as inspiration for the collection, with the timeless femininity of reinterpreted peplos gowns and more modern separates and tailoring in a color palette drawn from marble statuary.
Dior has also released its Festive Season campaign for the Cruise 2022 collection, with Grecian inspirations exquisitely evoked in images by Elina Kechicheva.
Captured amongst Christmas inspired scenery, models are draped in modern interpretations of peplos dresses and Dior silk scarves as they display a range of timeless accessories; including classic gold jewellery (earrings, bracelets, rings), bags (totes, pouches, clutches) shoes (slides, sneakers, espadrilles) and more.
Thessaloniki is celebrating all things arts and culture this weekend with the 5th Art Thessaloniki International Contemporary Art Fair and the 18th Thessaloniki Book Fair both taking place at Thessaloniki’s International Exhibition & Congress Centre from Thursday 25th to Sunday the 28th of November, 2021.
Regarded as one of the most important art exhibitions in Southeast Europe, the annual Thessaloniki art fair attracts hundreds of artists and thousands of international visitors each year.
This year, due to the pandemic it will be a smaller exhibition, however, 29 galleries from seven countries, close to 20 parallel projects, three museum exhibitions, and almost 800 artists’ works are displayed at the exhibition.
Organised by the National Agency for The Organisation of Exhibitions, Congresses and Cultural Events (HELEXPO S.A.) together with Pantelis Tsatsis, Artistic Director, this year the exhibition is considered a major reflection of Thessaloniki’s rich cultural scene.
Thessaloniki’s international art fair
“This is an art fair that invests in the strategically important geographic location of Thessaloniki, its multicultural identity, its rich and long history. Thessaloniki’s history spans some 2,300 years. Thessaloniki is a popular tourist destination in Greece and renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life in general,” announced the event organisers.
Award-winning composer Lina Tonia has premiered her new composition for the first time yesterday, while the honoured artist for 2021 will be Professor Yiannis Fokas. An honorary distinction will also be given to artists Dimitris Alithinos and George Lazogas for their work and their contribution to contemporary Greek art.
In addition to the participation of 30 galleries from Greece and abroad and 20 parallel projects, the museum exhibition will be presented with works by internationally renowned artist Victor Vasarely in collaboration with the Museum of Drawing Skopje.
Honouring the 200 Year Anniversary of Greek Independence, the Ethnographic Center of George Meliki will present the original installation, K.P. Kavafi. A special tribute to the Greek revolution 1821-2021, with the paint and the pen of Philhellene Painters and Travelers, will also be displayed. Dedicated to the 200 years of the Greek revolution (1821-2021), about 50 collectible lithographs from the first lithographic prints of the Philhellene painters Karl Krazeisen, Adam Friedel, Peter Von Hess, and European newspapers during the period 1821-1828 will be on exhibit.
Thessaloniki Book Fair (TBF)
Regarded as an important event for the book industry, this event attracts publishers, authors, translators, literary agents, booksellers, librarians, academics and institutions for books and literature from Greece, the Balkans, Western Europe, the Southeastern Mediterranean and from all over the world.
Thessaloniki’s book fair
This year, TBF’s central theme is ‘The Ongoing Revolutions of Books’, aiming to combine the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution with all the changes that took place during the pandemic regarding people’s perception of books and literary events.”.
German-language literature will be this year’s Guest of Honour with authors invited from German-speaking countries as well as book professionals.
Additionally, the 18th TBF will focus on the following themes:
New Writers Festival Children’s and Teenagers’ Corner New Book Technologies Who Needs Classical Studies Today? Translation Festival 200 Years From the Greek Revolution Politics: Freedom and Responsibility Guest of Honour: German-language Literature
This year, the Hellenic Cultural Foundation will honour Thessaloniki’s writers Matsi Chatzilazarou (1914-1987) and Anestis Evangelou (1937-1994), while a discussion on the literature of Thessaloniki has also been organised.
An exquisite exhibition exploring the concept of beauty through 300 antiquities that have been gathered from museums and collections in Greece and abroad, is currently taking place at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
On display are three hundred emblematic antiquities from fifty-two museums, collections, and Ephorates of Antiquities throughout Greece, as well as from Italy, and the Vatican. The majority are appearing for the first time outside of the museums of their provenance.
The exhibition named “Kallos. The Ultimate Beauty” was created by Professor Nikolaos Chr. Stampolidis, Director of the Acropolis Museum, former Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art, and Dr. Ioannis D. Fappas, Curator of Antiquities at the museum. With selected exhibits dating mainly from the seventh to the first century BC (from the Archaic to the Hellenistic period) they are complemented by a handful of works of Roman times.
“The ancient Greek word Kallos means ‘beauty’ and is associated with both females and males. We wanted to complete the concept of beauty by also including elements from the philosophical beliefs of the ancient Greeks, elements of virtue, such as wisdom, heroism, self-denial, noble rivalry, and kindness. The Ancient Greeks believed that all these virtues were an integral part of beauty,” announced Sandra Marinopoulou, President & CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Visitors are able to see statues, vases, sherds (broken ceramics), mirrors, jewellery, perfume vases, accessories of the toilette and beautification (cosmetic unguents, pigments, and so on), objects of clay, stone metal, and terracottas of various periods, mainly Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic figurines, tools for styling the hair, such as iron scissors, little combs, and so on.
The exhibition also hosts a number of antiquities from Magna Graecia, enabling the visitor to understand the phenomenon of the dispersion of the notion of Kallos also to the Greek colonies in the West; with artifacts from the Vatican Museum, the Archaeological Museums of Florence, Naples, Rome, Bologna, Venice, Syracuse, Catania and the National Archaeological Park of Ostia.
A: Neophytou Douka 4, Athens
Dates: Until the 16th of January, 2022
Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm Thursday, Friday: 10 am to 8 pm Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday: Closed
French luxury house Dior invited 10 talented Greek photographers to capture their visions of the Grecian-inspired Cruise 2022 Collection at different locations throughout Greece, and the result is spectacular.
Mara Desipris, Christina Dimitriadis, Marilia Fotopoulou, Efi Gousi, Maria Koutroumpi, Dimitra Lazaridou, Ria Mort, Lia Nalbantidou, Ioanna Sakellaraki, and Olga Stefatou were all part of this artistic dialogue that “further perpetuates the spirit and power of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s creations for Dior, conceived as a celebration of local craftsmanship and savoir-faire. Discover the captivating beauty of these virtuoso interpretations,” announced Dior.
Collaborating with Grecian artisans and artists to realise the collection, Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has truly celebrated Greece for Dior Cruise 2022, which she described as a “tribute to the idea of community and a celebration of cultural exchanges.”
Dior arrived in Athens for its Cruise 2022 womenswear show in June this year and presented the collection and capsule at the awe-inspiring Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium entirely built of Pentelic marble; while the Cruise 2022 campaign was shot by leading fashion photographer Julia Hetta at the Temple of Zeus on the Ancient Greek archaeological site of Nemea.
The luxury fashion house has now released the latest images taken by each Greek photographer- giving a new perspective to the pieces, which are all inspired by Ancient Greek sites, temples, and costumes. The photos are featured in the latest issue of Dior Magazine- Issue NO. 36.
When you’re seeking an original and elegant piece of jewellery– whether a ring, cuff, necklace or statement piece– you want something that will last a lifetime. To find that something special, a visit to some of the finer boutiques across Greece can be an obvious choice.
Indeed, Greece is home to some of the world’s most talented jewellery designers, who draw from hundreds of years of expertise and know-how to create truly memorable pieces- featuring gold, silver, pearl, diamonds and other classic gems.
With so many to choose from, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite Greek jewellers who are are leading the way with exceptional style, creativity and design.
Nikos Koulis
Nikos has established himself as one of the most sought-after designers in the country. With a Greek influence, Nikos mixes both classic and contemporary themes creating exquisite pieces that are loved by his loyal clientele worldwide. His pieces feature a range of diamonds of various cuts and colours, gold, rubies, emeralds, pearls and unique materials that stand out. With a flagship store in Athens, Nikos’ pieces are stocked in luxury boutiques all over Europe, America, Asia and online.
Katerina Makriyanni
Katerina who loved art since young, could not resist continuing the family tradition. Having studied jewellery design in Florence, her love for creativity, the family business and her hometown Chania (where she resides and creates her magic) lead her to the field of jewellery making. Creating pieces that are ideal for every occasion, Makriyianni’s trademark fringed fan earrings have become a hit worldwide.
Polina Ellis
Athens based jewellery designer Polina Ellis is an archaeologist and fine artist that transcends and transforms the inspiration of her life experiences and academic studies into a unique design with symbolism. Pairing strong lines with clean forms, Polina creates pieces of subtle luxury that adhere to Ancient Greek ethos. Her pieces are sold in her showroom at Kifissia and selected retailers in Athens, Mykonos, across Europe and the USA.
Yannis Sergakis
Yannis is the descendant of a well-established family of Greek diamond traders. He was drawn into the alluring world of precious stones from a young age and after studying gemology and design, Yannis created his own luxury brand. Working mainly with gold and diamonds, he creates stunning pieces that can be worn both day and night. With a flagship store in Athens, Yannis’ pieces are stocked all over the world and online.
Ioanna Souflia
Ioanna’s homeland of Greece has an unmistakable influence on her designs. Born and raised in Athens, Ioanna trained in the Greek capital, London and France. Influenced by her contrasting training the designer’s aesthetic is shaped from the unique pairing of opposing elements. With a strong Art Deco influence, her pieces are elegant and striking.
Christina Soubli
Christina’s collections are soft and feminine and are inspired by a different mood, a story or experience that triggers her creativity. Christina has been distinguished with significant awards, including the Worshipful Company of Goldsmith’s Award of Jewellery. Her work has also been exhibited in some of the most prestigious galleries and stores worldwide, where she has received numerous outstanding reviews.
Lito Karakostanoglou
Having starred in international runway shows by Kenzo and Jean Paul Gaultier, the Athens-based jeweller creates delicate and feminine designs. Lito is a fusion of the old-school feel of traditional jewellery mixed with contemporary influences marking a new era for craftsmanship. Her collections exhibit a perfect mix between the designer’s Greek heritage, her mastery of traditional techniques and her artistic instinct.
Christiana Kafa
Christiana is a Greek Cypriot jewellery and accessories designer, who launched her first line in 2014, featuring a range of bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces in silver and gold with precious and semi-precious stones. Her jewellery pieces, which are minimal and simplistic are stocked worldwide.
Ileana Makri
Fascinated by the warm and exotic allure of her rich Greek culture and nature, Ileana’s creations feature a wide range of powerful symbols from the Mediterranean- in a simple and sophisticated way. Her creative collaborations with some of the world’s leading fashion houses have led to the creation of iconic collections that have attracted the attention of A-list celebrities. With a flagship store in Kolonaki, Ileana’s pieces are also stocked worldwide.
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.
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.
Athens is set to host its 38th Classic Marathon this weekend with the shorter race taking place on Saturday the 13th and the longer course on Sunday the 14th of November 2021.
The popular event is recognised as the world’s original modern marathon, attracting thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe.
“After two years of absence for all our racing events, SEGAS (Hellenic Athletics Federation) is returning with a top event for Greece and the whole world,” the Federation’s President, Sofia Sakorafa, said during a press conference in Athens.
A total of 30,000 runners will participate in the 42km course and the 10km and 5km races under strict application of the safety protocol for sports events, announced Sakorafa, adding that only the fully vaccinated runners and those with proof of recovery from COVID-19 are allowed to participate in this year’s event.
Athens Classic Marathon
The Athens Marathon is run entirely on asphalt beginning at the small town of Marathon and the finish line is in Athens’ magnificent Olympic Stadium.
According to the organisers, the Athens Marathon allows runners the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Greek soldier Pheidippides who first ran the 42 km route from the battlefield of Marathon beach to Athens in 490 BC.
It is said that Pheidippides ran from the aftermath of the Battle of Marathon straight to Athens- eager to let all Athenians know about the victory against the Persians. Entering the gates of the ancient city, he is said to have uttered the word ‘’nenikēkamen!” which means “We’ve won,” at this stage he is said to have fallen on his knees in exhaustion – and sadly died.
The distance between Marathon and Athens is around 42 km, as Pheidippides set out and endured what is now a distance completed by hundreds of thousands of runners around the world every year.
Since the revival of the Olympic Games and the Marathon race in the first modern Olympics in Athens in 1896, thousands of runners have participated in the authentic course. In 2019, a record 60,000 participants from 105 countries and regions participated; and organisers anticipate the numbers will be back up again in 2022.
All runners crossing the finish line this year will receive a collective medal designed by prominent Greek sculptor Costas Varotsos. It is the second in a series of special medals, which will be handed to runners every year until 2026, which will be the 130th anniversary of the first Marathon race of modern times.
Athens’ Acropolis Museum has introduced its winter program at a reduced admission fee of 5 euros for children and adults. Further to that, each first Sunday of the month, entrance to the museum is free. The museum’s winter program will run during the November 1 – March 31 period.
Acropolis Museum Winter Program
Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 Masterpieces
Visit the Acropolis Museum and along with the archaeologists, discover the hidden stories of 20+1 masterpieces that feature myths and fables, folklores and traditions, historical milestones and human stories transformed into art and weave a vivid experience during an outstanding walk in the Museum’s Galleries.
Date & Time: Saturdays, at 10.30 am in English
From the 6th of November 2021 till March 26th, 2022
Athens’ Acropolis Museum
Strange Creatures on the Acropolis Museum
Visit the Museum with your children to discover creatures of the earth, the sea and the air, creations of the imagination of ancient people that invite visitors to a game of exploration, observation, and knowledge. Children will be given materials to take home and create their own strange creatures.
Date & Time: Every Sunday 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
From the 7th of November, 2021 to 27th of March, 2022
Afternoons in the Acropolis Museum
The Museum’s archaeologists invite you on a captivating walk through its halls, to introduce you to the fascinating stories hidden in the treasures of the museum’s galleries. The walk develops each time based on your interests; and promises an unforgettable experience, with the usage of numerous visual means -such as photographs, sketches, and representations- as well as stops on the digital applications that enrich the collection.
Date & Time: Every Friday at 6 pm
Until the 25th of March, 2022
To register you need to refer to the Information Desk on the day of the tour. There is a limited of 30 visitors and first-in first-served.
The 62nd Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the oldest film festivals worldwide and one of the leading film events in Southeast Europe, has officially kicked off; taking place from the 4th through to the 14th of November, 2021.
Screening close to 200 films in selected movie theatres across Thessaloniki, there is also a digital platform, where 144 titles will be featured. The Festival opened last night with Audrey Diwan’s Golden Lion winner, Happening and the popular event will close its curtains with another French title, Paris, 13th District by Jacques Audiard.
The TIFF focuses on independent cinema and emerging filmmakers from around the world- serving as an essential platform for film professionals from Greece and Southeast Europe. The event normally attracts an audience of more than 80,000; including hundreds of Greek and foreign guests, plus well-known artists, directors, producers and talented crew from the international film scene.
According to Festival Director Orestis Andreadakis, this year, films from all over the world will be screened at the famous halls of Olympion at the central Aristotelous Square, at Warehouse 1 close to the port, as well as at the Makedonikon Cinema.
Makedonikon Cinema in Thessaloniki
For the first time, TIFF will host three competition sections: International Competition (a program with films from across the Globe), Meet the Neighbors Competition (with first or second features from Greece’s extended “neighborhood”), and Film Forward Competition section (with films that go beyond the conventions of film genres).
The 14 films selected in the international competition, three of which are Greek, are feature debuts or sophomore films and will be setting their sights on the Golden Alexander. They are Holy Emy by Araceli Lemos, Moon, 66 Questions by Jacqueline Lentzou, and Pack of Sheep by Dimitris Kanellopoulos.
Another three Greek films participate in the Meet the Neighbors competition section: .dog by Yianna Americanou, 18 by Vassilis Douvlis, and The Man with the Answers by Stelios Kammitsis. In addition, another triplet of Greek films is found in the “Film Forward” competition section: Magnetic Fields by Giorgos Goussis, ORFEAS2021 directed by the performance art duo FYTA and The Timekeepers of Eternity by Aristotelis Maragkos.
Moreover, the 62nd TIFF is screening eight masterpieces of Greek cinema, within the framework of the initiative “Motherland, I See You: The 20th Century of Greek Cinema”, held by the Hellenic Film Academy, under the auspices of the “Greece 2021” Committee, and sponsored by the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (grand sponsor), the Greek Film Centre, Athens Epidaurus Festival and Thessaloniki Film Festival, with the support of the Greek Film Archive and Finos Film. “Motherland, I See You: The 20th Century of Greek Cinema” is an initiative dedicated to salvaging, digitalizing, screening, and studying films from the diverse heritage of 20th-century Greek cinema.
The majority of the program’s Greek films will also be available online, through the Festival’s platform.
Organisers have also made note that this annual celebration of the Cinema will take place safely, observing all the health protocols, as only those who have a vaccination certificate or intellect will be able to enter the rooms.
During the last few years, our attention has shifted to natural skincare products -made in Greece- using the purest elements that mother earth has to offer.
Whether you live in Greece or you visit the country for a holiday, embracing the “shop local” philosophy is the perfect reason to clean up your top shelf and make room for these under-the-radar Greek eco-friendly skincare brands.
Euthalia
Yiayia Euthalia learned from a very young age how to use the beneficial herbs of her island, Skopelos, and to include them in her daily routine. She created her own recipes for soap and waxes, which gave inspiration to her granddaughter (who also inherited her name) to launch Euthalia Natural Cosmetic Values in 2012. Τhe Greek word “euthalia” describes a state of flourishing or thriving.
The key ingredient of Euthalia is the extra virgin olive oil combined with essential oils and extracts of aromatic and medicinal plants- creating beneficial compositions for the body and soul. 100% natural, Euthalia cosmetics, pay tribute to the eternal power of nature and to the traditional values and virtues of Greek culture.
Marialena Baklatzi spent her childhood in the colourful, enchanting rose garden kept by her family. While the women of the house produced rose water extracts for personal use, Marialena observed, recorded, and slowly developed her love for nature and the treasures it has to offer.
She began to produce creams for her personal use and after three years of extensive research and development, in cooperation with an excellent team of internationally renowned scientists and dermatologists, MIELĒV from dream became a reality in 2020, launching her company in Athens. MIELĒV is derived from the French verb “Je m ‘élève” which means “to elevate me”. A range of natural and organic skincare lines, with ingredients that heal the skin, satisfy the senses, and offer immediate, visible results.
In 1957, a family of chemists-cosmetologists, John, George and Lila Tzimas dedicated time to the research and production of Greek skincare, beauty and wellness products, that cover the needs of face, body, and hair. “Every skin is different and has unique needs”. With this belief, the company began producing personalized products and services.
The treatment line offers solutions for hydration, cleansing, freshening, anti-aging, regeneration, firming and sun protection for all skin types. The composition of Tzimas cosmetics consists of ingredients of natural origin, herbal extracts, mainly from the Mediterranean flora, Greek extra virgin oil and other vegetable oils, amino acids and bioactive peptides, algae extracts and other elements of marine origin, vitamins and essential oils.
The production of Greek cosmetic company Nemertes, is based on pure, virgin olive oil of superior quality and blends of precious oils, herbs and healing materials from the Greek land, creating personal care and wellbeing products respecting people and the environment.
Nemertes is a mythological figure mentioned in the Iliad. Daughter of Nereus and Oceanida Dorida, granddaughter of the Ocean, nymph of the sea and one of the fifty Nereids. She represents philanthropy and people who follow and achieve their goals. They combine the precious legacy of Greek tradition with the most modern scientific methods and high aesthetics- passionately creating what a contemporary person needs today; physical health, mental euphoria and a positive attitude to life! Their products are produced in small quantities to ensure excellent quality and full control capability.
After completing their studies in science, environment, and art, George and Chara decided to leave the city and settle in Evia. They set up their workshop there in order to combine tradition with nature. They managed to “enclose nature” into their products. Bee Naturalles was founded in 2013 and their products’ 100% natural composition encloses the beneficial and healing power of nature.
Bee Naturalles products are mixtures of natural raw materials, such as organic bee products, herbal extracts and essential oils, with only natural preservatives. Their production is “dictated” by nature, according to its own rhythms and seasonal alternations.
Athens’ former Public Tobacco Factory has been transformed into a modern cultural space and is currently hosting a critically acclaimed international art exhibition featuring 59 artists from 27 countries.
For the first time in the history of the building, this lofty and stunning space has been made accessible to the public as part of Portals, an exhibition of contemporary art that opened in early June.
Portals brings together work from 18 Greek and over 40 international artists—among them Steve McQueen and Ed Ruscha — in a show curated by Madeleine Grynsztejn of the MCA Chicago and Elina Kontouri, director of the Athens-based arts and culture organisation NEON.
The exhibition aims to develop messages, ideas, and concerns regarding modern artistic creativity by approaching the new reality being shaped by change; including 15 new site-specific installations commissioned especially by NEON, whose diverse cultural backgrounds offer a plurality of ideas underpinned by a shared aspiration to create a portal into a new, more humane and inclusive reality.
Founded in 2013 by Dimitris Daskalopoulos, a Greek entrepreneur, NEON stages exhibitions and installations in spaces across Greece, from abandoned office spaces to the slopes of the Acropolis. In the case of the tobacco factory, NEON co-funded the latest phase of renovation alongside the Hellenic Parliament, a move Daskalopoulos calls a gift “to the city and its people,” which coincides with Greece’s celebration of 200 years of independence this year.
The exhibition takes place in all renovated areas of the building: the atrium, corridors, halls and mezzanines, bathrooms, the former Customs Office, the surrounding area, on the roof / façade of the building and on Kolonos Hill and represents a pluralism of ideas and touches upon issues related to collectiveness, cultural understanding of history and politics, public space, and our common past, present and future.
Alongside the physical exhibition, the organisation has also created an online ‘portal.’ The free mobile NEON app enables visitors to virtually browse the exhibition, see and learn about the works and artists, as well as receive notifications on the exhibition’s parallel events.
Athens Former Public Tobacco Factory
Once a symbol of Greece’s industrialization and progress, the Tobacco Factory’s construction started in 1927 using government funds to serve the country’s booming cigarette manufacturing industry. However, the Factory began operating in 1930, at a time when the international crisis had already reduced Greek tobacco exports. In its 65 years of operation, the Public Tobacco Factory housed 25 cigarette companies, with Sante being the last to leave.
The transformation of Athens’ former Public Tobacco Factory into a Cultural Centre has received international attention. Located in the heart of the city, the factory reopened its doors to the public as a vast contemporary art space on the 11th of June 2021 for “Portals,” which will run through to the end of the year.
Dates: Until 31/12/2021
Address: Former Public Tobacco Factory – Hellenic Parliament Library and Printing House | 218 Lenorman Street, Athens
