The Secret Art City of Athens
Welcome to Athens. Besides the world-famous archaeological sites and the vibrant city life, a secret art city is hidden in the streets and neighborhoods of Athens, just waiting to be discovered.
Athens is not just a city, it's a living piece of art. Every step takes you deeper into the history and art that form the heart of this ancient city. Countless galleries, museums, and cultural monuments are the proof.
The Parthenon
Start your artistic journey at the Acropolis, where the Parthenon, the jewel of ancient Greek architecture, majestically sits. Built more than 2400 years ago, the Parthenon stands as a testament to the devotion to Athena Parthenos, the "virgin" goddess. Under the guidance of Phidias, one of the most renowned architects of ancient Greece, this monumental temple was erected, the splendor and cost of which amazed his contemporaries. It is claimed that the construction costs equated to the value of a fleet of 700 ships.
Akropolis-Museum and Odeon
Not far away awaits the new Acropolis Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture that houses countless art treasures. Not only are the ancient exhibits a must-see for every art lover, but the aesthetics of the building itself too. Near the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient theater that provides vibrant performances from the Athenian cultural scene. As a venue for the renowned Athens Festival, the Odeon offers a unique artistic experience amidst ancient history.
Art City-Life
The city center of Athens and the surrounding areas are rich in artful neoclassical buildings, ancient and Byzantine monuments, and archaeological sites. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and Plaka, a picturesque old town, are just a few of the places that offer an impressive collection of art and culture.
Athens is also home to numerous museums that provide a deep insight into various aspects of Greek art and history. The National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Benaki Museum, and many others present an impressive collection of exhibits from different eras. Special art galleries and exhibition spaces, like the National Gallery and the Museum of Cycladic Art, offer a remarkable diversity of contemporary art.
Innovative Art Hotel Concept
The NEW Hotel is the only boutique design hotel in the center of the Greek capital. Commissioned by the Greek-Cypriot art collector Dakis Joannou, the hotel was designed by the renowned Brazilian Campana Brothers as a trendy hotspot for contemporary art. The Campana Brothers have long been established figures in the international design sphere, and it is in the historical center of Athens where the Brazilian artists have realized their first and only hotel project. It's therefore no wonder that the NEW Hotel in the heart of the Greek metropolis has become a mecca of modernity and offers itself as an ideal starting point to explore the historical and modern Athens of today.
Without changing the facade of the former Olympic Palace Hotel, a milestone of modern Greek architecture, it was transformed into a hotspot for contemporary art. Inside, the Campana Brothers, together with a group of Greek design students, managed to incorporate elements from the old hotel into their new designs. The result is a successful and creative design blend that makes the NEW Hotel a standalone attraction as a modern art object in the midst of the ancient metropolis.
Like modern sculptures, the pillars formed from pieces of wood emerge from the ground. The famous "Favela Chairs" are among the design classics of recent decades. Greek shadow puppet figures, glass objects of the famous Greek "Evil Eye" (blue eye, supposed to ward off the evil gaze), collages of postcards from old Athens on the walls, and brass sinks that remind of massive rock formations, make the rooms and suites unique design cult sites.
Some of Athens' Cultural Art Treasures
- The Parthenon: A masterpiece of ancient architecture and symbol of Athenian democracy.
- The Erechtheion: A radiant white marble complex that serves as a unique example of the Ionic order.
- The new Acropolis Museum: One of the most impressive institutions of its kind worldwide.
- The National Archaeological Museum: The largest collection of archaeological finds in Greece and one of the most significant worldwide.
- The National Gallery: Here you'll find an impressive collection of over 15,000 artworks from various eras.
- Heart of the City: Near Hadrian's Arch, you'll find the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
- Kolonaki: In this prestigious district, you'll find a multitude of art galleries presenting contemporary Greek and international art.
- The City Center: Especially the areas around Exarcheia and Metaxourgeio are known for their vibrant graffiti art.