Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art

Athens Goulandris Museum (© Copyright: Goulandris Museum, Athens)

Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art

The renowned Goulandris Museum, dedicated to the visual arts, is found at Eratosthenous Street 13 in Pagrati. A truly remarkable achievement, it is a continuation of the Vasilis and Eliza Goulandris Foundation that was established in 1979 on the island of Andros.

The Goulandris Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that aims to install and operate visual arts museums in both Andros Island and Athens. It was the dream of a lifetime for Vasilis and Eliza Goulandris, which in Andros managed to be actualized while they were still alive. Sadly, in Athens, it was founded following their deaths but was completed due to their kind sponsorship.

The Goulandris Museum, inaugurated in 2019, covers a total surface area of 7250 m² and for its construction was purchased the neoclassical preserved building that already existed at Agios Spyridonos Square and its adjacent land. The structure was utilized as a "shell" after being upgraded, while a modern residence was raised on the neighboring land with an exterior lining composed of limestone slabs. The architectural study was done by I&A Vikela's office, while the project management was undertaken by N.K. Malatestas & Partners.

The museum consists of 11 floors, 5 of which are underground, and in addition to the exhibition grounds, there is a souvenir shop, a café-restaurant, an art library, a children's lab as well as a contemporary 190-seat amphitheater.