The Greek capital is a city constantly on the move, dynamic, lively and open to the arts. The proof is in the pudding: in 2019, the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation inaugurated its new museum of modern and contemporary art in the Pangrati district of Athens. A magnificent venue showcasing the Goulandris couple’s superb private collection.
Of course, we were delighted to visit this new museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens. We really enjoyed ourselves and were impressed by the wealth of the Goulandris’ private collection, which includes works by all the greatest artists of the late 19th and 20th centuries, from Monet to Picasso, Rodin, Modigliani, Miro and Matisse. Simply superb!
Useful information
Where to find the Goulandris Museum?
The Basil & Elise Goulandris Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is located at 13 Eratosthenous in Pangrati, Athens. See on Google Maps. You can also get there by metro, stopping at Evangelismos (M3) or Syntagma (M2, M3).
Opening times
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 10am-6pm
- Friday: 10am-8pm
- Closed Tuesday and Sunday
The Goulandris Museum is closed on January 1, January 6, Clean Monday, Easter Sunday and Monday (Orthodox), March 25, May 1, August 15, October 28, December 25 and 26. As these times are subject to change, we advise you to check their website before visiting.
Entrance fees
- Full price: €10
- Reduced rate: 7€ (over 65, young people aged 13 to 26, students…)
- Free for children under 12, disabled persons and accompanying adults…
You can now buy your full-price ticket online, with the option of an audioguide in English or a 1.5-hour guided tour of the museum in English:
Who were Basil and Elise Goulandris?
Basil Goulandris (1913-1994), a famous Greek shipowner, and his wife Elise (1917-2000) were two lovers of the arts, especially fine art. During their lifetime, they supported many artists. And they were the founders of Greece’s first museum of modern art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros (Basil Goulandris’ native island).
Throughout their lives, Basil and Elise Goulandris have been assiduous art collectors. When they died, their collection was estimated to be worth $3 billion. As they had no children of their own, their inheritance became the subject of a major dispute. Fortunately, their works of art were not auctioned off. And the opening of this new museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens, 25 years after the death of Basile and 19 years after the death of Elise Goulandris, brings a happy ending. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Goulandris Foundation, but also for the city of Athens, which now has a superb showcase for modern and contemporary art, both Greek and international.
The new Goulandris Museum in Athens
The new museum of modern and contemporary art opened by the Goulandris Foundation is located in downtown Athens, in the Pangrati district. Not far from the National Garden and the Panathenaic stadium. It was financed entirely by private funds.
The museum is housed in a neoclassical building that has been refurbished in a sober, modern architectural style. It covers 7,000 m² and has nine levels, four of which house the permanent collection.
This museum allows the public to admire unique works that have remained out of sight since the disappearance of the Goulandris.
As you enter the museum, you are immediately greeted by a portrait of Elise Goulandris painted by Marc Chagall.
The works are displayed in large, soberly colored rooms. The museography is interesting, with some works echoing each other. And the airy space allows each work to stand out.
The first two floors are devoted to works by international, mainly European, artists. And the two upper floors feature works by Greek artists exclusively.
When the greatest modern artists are brought together in a single collection
The second floor, which houses the heart of the Goulandris’ collection, features some magnificent pieces: paintings by Fernand Leger, Cezanne, Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso, Braque, Miro, Chagall, Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec, and several Van Goghs, including “Olive Picking”… But also statues by Rodin and the splendid “Little dancer of Fourteen years old” by Degas. As well as a painting of “Rouen Cathedral”, one of the highlights of the collection. The whole is perfectly showcased.
The second floor is equally impressive. You ‘ ll find statues by César, Niki de Saint Phalle and Giacometti, as well as paintings by Bacon, Soulages, Balthus, Miro and Matisse. And one of our favorites: Picasso’s “Flying Dove”.
Discovering modern and contemporary Greek art
This new museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens is also an opportunity for an uninitiated public to discover the great modern Greek artists, from Konstantin Byzantios to Alekos Fassionos and Yannis Moralis.
To be honest, knowing little about modern Greek art, we weren’t sure what to expect. Well, what a nice surprise! Here again, we admire sublime works of art.
Special mention should be made of the painting by George Rorris of the Goulandris couple in their home, which features paintings on display in the museum. A wink in the form of a mise en abyme.
The café at the new Goulandris Museum
Finally, we end the tour with a visit to the café B&E in the Goulandris Museum located on the 1st half-floor. It can also be accessed without paying the museum entrance fee.
Classy, cosy atmosphere, lovely terrace. The menu includes hearty homemade pies and pastries, salads, fresh juices and snacks, as well as a good selection of breakfasts (a good idea for anyone staying with an Airbnb in the area).
Other good addresses near the museum
- Restaurants: Mavro Provato (traditional Greek tavern), or the charming cafe Petite fleur.
So, what to think of this new museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens?
In all honesty, we really liked the new Goulandris Museum. The works on display are magnificent and carefully selected. There are only exceptional pieces. None of them disappointed us.
The museum is very accessible, so everyone can enjoy it. Even those who are not fans of modern art will fall under its spell.
What’s more, the museum isn’t too big. This makes it possible to fully appreciate all the pieces on display. And to avoid ending the visit with a feeling of overflow.
In short, we can’t recommend this new museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens enough! What’s more, if you buy your ticket online, you can choose to visit with an English audio guide, or book a guided tour in English!
Contact the Goulandris Museum : Phone +30 210 7252895 / Mail : info@goulandris.gr / Website B&E Goulandris Foundation
Laure M.
Article updated March 19, 2024
