As if to thumb its nose at the crisis (economic, political, migratory, European), Athens is betting on modernity and openness. By equipping itself with a brand new cultural center, it is sending a strong signal. And proves that even in difficult times, art and culture have their place. For example, the ultra-modern Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center opened in June 2016. It houses the new premises of the National Opera and the National Library. Since its inauguration, the space has been acclaimed by Athenians who have made it a real place to live.
A place to visit to discover a new facet of the Greek capital.
Athens at the contemporary time
Stavros Niarchos is a famous Greek ship owner. He is known not only for having launched the first supertanker but also for his legendary rivalry with Aristotle Onassis (both in the maritime field and in the jetset lounges). When he died in 1996, he bequeathed part of his fortune to the foundation that bears his name. The Foundation funds projects in the fields of art, culture, education and health.
In 2006, the idea was launched to create a cultural center to highlight Greece and its culture. The project was entrusted to a renowned architect, Renzo Piano, known for having created the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris.
Renzo Piano expressed his desire as follows: ” we do not celebrate power. We don’t celebrate money. We celebrate the idea that the country needs to blow. The idea was to take the territory – Athens – and raise it. “
A large-scale project
The idea was ambitious. The result is impressive. A building of glass and concrete where the sun and light are reflected, a canal that constitutes a figurative extension of the adjacent sea, a large Mediterranean garden, a real breath of fresh air in the Greek capital. And, to top it all off, a terrace with a 360 degree view of the sea on one side and the city on the other. You can admire the Acropolis and Mount Lycabette.
In addition, the cultural center was built with respect to the environment. It has also received Platinum LEED certification as a green building, the highest distinction for environmental and sustainable buildings. Thus, the canal water comes from the sea and the 10,000m² roof is covered with solar panels. The building is therefore 85% self-sufficient in electricity.
Finally, what impresses beyond the architectural success is the fact that the Athenians have appropriated this new space. They come to visit it, to participate in the many events that are organized there, to walk on Sundays in the park with their families. The Stavros Niarchos Center is not only a showcase for culture ; it is also and above all a place full of energy.
The National Opera
The Greek National Opera has moved into this new cultural center. 33,000m², 6 suspended floors, mobile sculptures hanging from the ceiling that move to the rhythm of the visitors, glass walls that create a link between the inside and the outside of the building. Everything has been thought out down to the smallest detail. The venue is modular and versatile and can accommodate a wide variety of shows and events.
The new auditorium (1,400 seats) is an architectural gem. Its walls are adorned with red wood, a nod to the velvet of traditional rooms. Its excellent acoustics and multi-level configuration, which allows for stage changes, make it possible to accommodate the most demanding operas and large-scale international productions.
The National Library
The new building of the National Library of Greece, all glass, wood and raw concrete, modernizes an institution founded in 1832. At the cutting edge of technology, this new 24,000m2 space combines tradition and technological innovation. The shelves can accommodate a million books. In these places are stored manuscripts from the 9th century, archives and historical documents. At the same time, the library has been designed to meet the challenges of the digital age (nationwide digitization project, connectivity with other libraries, innovation space…).
Spaces for teenagers, others for children, pop colored chairs, natural light that penetrates through the glass walls of the building… We are far from the dusty libraries. In short, we feel here a real desire to make culture fun and accessible to all.
Stavros Niarchos Park
The Stavros Niarchos Park offers many possibilities for walking, recreation and rest. This Mediterranean garden, with its lush landscape, wide variety of trees and plants, fountains, labyrinth and playgrounds is a breath of life for Athens. It offers a little respite in an ultra-urbanized environment. With an impressive array of plants, each month brings a new color, and each season introduces a different combination of flowers and foliage.
This park is very popular with the Athenians. They come to exercise, attend concerts or outdoor events, have a picnic on Sundays. Ideal for a walk with children. The latter can ride a bike or a scooter in the alleys. Or play in the areas specially designed for them. Or do some sailing on the canal.
In this Mediterranean garden, horizontal paths rise gently and lead to the “lighthouse”, a 900m² glass space. We walk, without even noticing it, on the roof of the Library and of the Opera. The summit offers spectacular views.
Guided tours of the building and gardens are offered several times a day. There is one visit per day in English. They are free and allow you to learn more about this new space.
How about an original and highly enjoyable tour? An electric bike ride from Athens along the Athenian Riviera. With a stop at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and a tour of the site.
Practical informations
- Address: Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre Foundation, 364 Syggrou Avenue, 17674 Kallithea – Google Maps
- SNFCC Website
- Free of charge
- Free Wifi
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
Opening Hours
- Summer opening hours (April 1 to October 31): open daily from 6 am to midnight
- Winter opening hours (November 1 to March 31): open daily from 6 am to 8 pm
- All year round: running track and outdoor sports facilities open from 6 am to midnight
How to get to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation cultural center?
- By shuttle bus: free shuttle buses run between the cultural center and Syntagma Square (corner of Ermou Street) and the Syggrou-Fix metro station (on Syggrou Avenue). Please note that on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Syntagma Square is not served by the shuttles (due to the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament). For timetables, click here
- By bus: B2 and 550 lines from Syggrou Fix metro station. Get off at the “Onasseio” stop on Syggrou Avenue, and head south towards the sea, until you reach Evripidou Street.
- By car: from central Athens, follow Andrea Syngrou Avenue in the direction of “Piraeus / Glyfada”. At the end of Avenue Syggrou, at the Piraeus – Glyfada junction, keep to the left of the avenue towards Piraeus. Then follow the brown signs for SNF (Stavros Niarchos Foundation) or SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center). Free parking lots
Guided Tours
- Free – 90 mins – in English or Greek
- Book your tour online: here
- Reservations open on Friday of the previous week
- Contact: Tel : (+30) 216-8091001 / Mail : visit@snfcc.org
Laure M.
Updated 9 April, 2024
