Athens, known for its ancient history, is also a vibrant city for contemporary art. With a mix of famous galleries and new, exciting art spaces, Athens has something for every art lover. Whether you’re a collector or just enjoy exploring art, here are some must-visit galleries and contemporary art spaces in Athens.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
Located in the former Fix Brewery, the National Museum of Contemporary Art is Athens' premier institution for contemporary art. The museum features a diverse collection of Greek and international works, spanning various media including painting, sculpture, video, and installations. EMST’s rotating exhibitions and permanent collection provide a deep dive into contemporary artistic trends and thought-provoking themes.
Address: Kallirrois Ave & Amvr. Frantzi St
Website: emst.gr
Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
While primarily known for its extensive collection of Greek artifacts, the Benaki Museum also houses a remarkable collection of modern Greek art. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on contemporary Greek artists, offering a fascinating contrast to its historical exhibits.
Address: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74
Website: benaki.org
DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art
Founded by Greek art collector Dakis Joannou, the DESTE Foundation is a major player in the Athens art scene. The foundation promotes contemporary art through a variety of exhibitions, publications, and projects. Its cutting-edge space in Nea Ionia showcases works by both emerging and established artists, often pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
Address: Filellinon 11 & Em. Pappa St, Nea Ionia 142 34
Website: deste.gr
The Breeder
The Breeder is a contemporary art gallery that supports and promotes new artistic talent. Since its establishment in 2002, it has become a key venue for discovering contemporary Greek and international artists. The gallery is known for its avant-garde exhibitions and participation in major art fairs around the world.
Address: Iasonos 45, Athina 104 36
Website: thebreedersystem.com
Kalfayan Galleries
Kalfayan Galleries, with locations in Athens and Thessaloniki, has been at the forefront of the Greek art scene since 1995. The gallery focuses on contemporary art from Greece and the Middle East, offering a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. Its Athens space regularly hosts solo and group exhibitions that highlight innovative artistic practices.
Address: Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Athens 106 75
Website: kalfayangalleries.com
Rebecca Camhi Gallery
Rebecca Camhi Gallery is another prominent space in the Athenian art scene, known for its eclectic and dynamic program. Located in the vibrant Metaxourgeio district, the gallery features contemporary art in various forms, including painting, photography, and sculpture. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore contemporary social and cultural issues, making it a thought-provoking visit.
Address: Leonidou 9, Athina 104 37
Website: rebeccacamhi.com
Radio Athènes
Radio Athènes is an experimental art space that merges contemporary art with other cultural forms like literature, music, and performance. Located in the Exarcheia neighborhood, it offers a unique platform for interdisciplinary projects and hosts an array of events including talks, screenings, and performances.
Address: Petraki 15, Athens 105 63
Website: radioathenes.org
Make sure to visit these incredible galleries and spaces to truly appreciate the modern artistic pulse of this historic city.
Located in the former Fix Brewery, the National Museum of Contemporary Art is Athens' premier institution for contemporary art. The museum features a diverse collection of Greek and international works, spanning various media including painting, sculpture, video, and installations. EMST’s rotating exhibitions and permanent collection provide a deep dive into contemporary artistic trends and thought-provoking themes.
Address: Kallirrois Ave & Amvr. Frantzi St
Website: emst.gr
Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
While primarily known for its extensive collection of Greek artifacts, the Benaki Museum also houses a remarkable collection of modern Greek art. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on contemporary Greek artists, offering a fascinating contrast to its historical exhibits.
Address: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74
Website: benaki.org
DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art
Founded by Greek art collector Dakis Joannou, the DESTE Foundation is a major player in the Athens art scene. The foundation promotes contemporary art through a variety of exhibitions, publications, and projects. Its cutting-edge space in Nea Ionia showcases works by both emerging and established artists, often pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
Address: Filellinon 11 & Em. Pappa St, Nea Ionia 142 34
Website: deste.gr
The Breeder
The Breeder is a contemporary art gallery that supports and promotes new artistic talent. Since its establishment in 2002, it has become a key venue for discovering contemporary Greek and international artists. The gallery is known for its avant-garde exhibitions and participation in major art fairs around the world.
Address: Iasonos 45, Athina 104 36
Website: thebreedersystem.com
Kalfayan Galleries
Kalfayan Galleries, with locations in Athens and Thessaloniki, has been at the forefront of the Greek art scene since 1995. The gallery focuses on contemporary art from Greece and the Middle East, offering a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. Its Athens space regularly hosts solo and group exhibitions that highlight innovative artistic practices.
Address: Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Athens 106 75
Website: kalfayangalleries.com
Rebecca Camhi Gallery
Rebecca Camhi Gallery is another prominent space in the Athenian art scene, known for its eclectic and dynamic program. Located in the vibrant Metaxourgeio district, the gallery features contemporary art in various forms, including painting, photography, and sculpture. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore contemporary social and cultural issues, making it a thought-provoking visit.
Address: Leonidou 9, Athina 104 37
Website: rebeccacamhi.com
Radio Athènes
Radio Athènes is an experimental art space that merges contemporary art with other cultural forms like literature, music, and performance. Located in the Exarcheia neighborhood, it offers a unique platform for interdisciplinary projects and hosts an array of events including talks, screenings, and performances.
Address: Petraki 15, Athens 105 63
Website: radioathenes.org
Make sure to visit these incredible galleries and spaces to truly appreciate the modern artistic pulse of this historic city.
