Credit: Herodion.gr
When one thinks of Athens, they automatically think of the Parthenon and it’s alright…
Athens is a deeply historical city with archaeological sites of great importance, known all around the world.
A few might know however that Athens is a heating pot for artists and art lovers alike
The Athenian art scene is living and breathing dynamically through an abundance of contemporary art that conveys the thoughts of the artist about modern day life, issues and dreams.
Well hidden between ruins and myths, there is a plethora of art galleries, smaller or bigger, waiting to be explored and give the chance to the visitor to think, wonder and correlate with the exhibitions.
In this blog we will present to you the 5 best art galleries in Athens that should be included in your itinerary for your next visit in Athens.
Written by Savina Skourmalla 02-11-2023
- Modern National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
Credit: emst.gr
In the same building that housed an important old greek beer brewery in the centre of Athens, in Syggrou Avenue now stands the Modern National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST for short). After its renovation, the museum was opened in 2017 so it is considered a relatively new addition to the Athenian art scene but it quickly gained a lot of attention and popularity and now hosts some of the most important Greek and international exhibitions.
The open space gallery is home to artists like Jannis Kounellis, Stephen Antonakos, Mona Hatoun, Kim Sooja and many more and the exhibitions portray the nuance of modern life, with many conveying hidden political messages.
The exhibitions consist of abstract artefacts, photos and audiovisual installations and it hosts regular short exhibitions to support new thriving artists.
Despite being so new in the scene, the EMST has established itself among mega art monsters like the Tate Modern Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and it promises to stand out with a more solidified role in the future. For the time being it’s definitely one of the best art Galleries in Athens.
- Zoumboulakis Gallery
Credit: Zoumpoulakisarchitects.gr
The Zoumboulakis Gallery really started as an antique shop opened by Mr Theodoros Zoumboulakis who collected ancient items and rare artworks popular among all known collectors of that time and even hosted the works of Dali and Picasso.Today, the Zoumboulakis Gallery is one of the most important and emblematic galleries in Athens that welcomes the enfant gate of the Greek and international art world and it’s one of the best galleries in Athens. Here you will find the modern works of Tsarouhis, Hatzikiriakos, Moralis and more.
This art gallery in Kolonaki is also a stage for emerging new artists whose groundbreaking works get introduced to the international clientele.
- Athens Art Gallery
Credit: Tripadvisor.com
The Athens Arts Gallery is located in the heart of Athens,in Plaka area and was founded by Marilena Liakopoulou in order to express and advocate modern greek art through its exhibitions as well as promote new local and international artists.
In this Gallery, the media is a blend of contemporary art with traditional Greek techniques and elements that date all the way back to Byzantine times and ancient Greece.
The exhibitions come from all over Greece, the mainland and the islands alike and showcase the artistic tradition of Greece and some of the most renowned names of the greek contemporary art world are displayed here, in one of the best galleries of Athens.
- Ekfrasi by Yianna Grammatopoulou
Credit: Ekfrasi-art.com
Another great gallery worth visiting and definitely one of the best galleries in Athens is Yianna Grammatopoulou’s gallery. In this hub of different media like audiovisual installations, paintings and sculptures you will be able to marvel at the works of some of both well established as well as emerging artists in a truly aesthetic, modern place in the area of Kolonaki, very close to Syntagma square.
- Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art centre
Credit: Art-tounta.gr
This emblematic art centre that was founded in 1988 by Ileana Tounta began as a multi-purpose hot spot for creativity and art in Athens, bringing something new to the Athenian Art scene.
Up to this date, it has housed up to 250 exhibitions and a plethora of cultural events of Greek and international artistic interest.
What’s really fascinating about this place is the beautiful urban garden with an open plan restaurant with an exquisite menu of local seasonal dishes which makes Ileana Tounta’s art centre one of the best galleries in Athens.
Athens is a multi versatile city where history meets modern and art is intertemporal, mixing backgrounds and philosophies in an embroidery of ideas and expressions. In fact, there is more than meets the eye in Athens and for everyone looking for a thrilling adventure at the beginning of their journey in this beautiful city we suggest the ultimate sightseeing experience with Athens By Bike. Cycling is the most eco-friendly and interesting way to explore a new place and with our Athens city bike tour you will not only get to have a fun time cycling around the city but you will also learn interesting facts about the life and history of Athens. Don’t hesitate to indulge yourself in this experience and feel the true vibe of locality in Athens!
