Artistic Alleys: Exploring Athens’ Distinct Art Galleries!
If you are an art enthusiast eager to discover new artists and forms of art expression, you should visit Athens’ art galleries during your stay. Seamlessly combining vintage treasures with contemporary gems the city’s vibrant art scene is filled with talented artists and captivating artworks you can explore in its galleries. There’s no doubt these galleries will amaze you!
In this article, we will embark on a culture-infused tour through the best modern art galleries in Athens, where you can explore a whole new world of art, creativity, and innovation. Let’s begin!
Allouche Benias Gallery
Allouche Benias Gallery in Athens, the Greek counterpart of Allouche Gallery in New York, is a haven for art enthusiasts, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and artistic innovation. Located in the heart of Kolonaki, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Athens, this gallery features artworks such as sculptures, paintings, multimedia art, and unique installations with pop art and street art influences that embrace the ever-changing nature of contemporary art.
Impressive artworks are not the only reason you should visit Allouche Benias Gallery, though. The stunning neoclassical building that houses the gallery, designed by the renowned architect Ernst Ziller, is also worth visiting, especially if you are staying in a hotel in Kolonaki!
Address: 1 Kanari Street, Athens
Zoumboulakis Gallery
Zoumboulakis Gallery is one of the most distinctive art galleries in Athens! Located in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood in the heart of Athens city center, this gallery is best known for its stunning contemporary art collection, which includes impressive artworks from all over the world. Its history goes back to 1966, when its main space in Kolonaki opened to host works by the most prominent Greek artists, including Tsarouchis, Moralis, and Tetsis.
Soon, Zoumboulakis Gallery began to display artworks by international artists like De Chirico, Μatta, Lallannes, and Man Ray, becoming increasingly popular. Today, it features an impressive selection of both Greek and international artists, as well as a must-visit design and antiques shop!
Address: 6 Kriezotou Street, Athens
The Breeder Gallery
The Breeder Gallery is another contemporary art gallery known for its groundbreaking exhibits that challenge conventions and redefine the notion of contemporary art. Founded in 2008, this art gallery is located in the hip Metaxourgeio neighborhood, an area known for its alternative cultural spirit.
It represents various contemporary Greek and international artists, hosting innovative exhibitions that focus on modern visual arts, including sculptures, video installations, and abstract paintings. Among the artists hosted by the Breeder Gallery is Olga Migliaressi-Phoca, whose work can also be found in the permanent art collection of the New Hotel!
Address: 45 Iasonos Street, Athens
Rebecca Camhi Gallery
Founded in 1995, Rebecca Camhi Gallery is one of the most prominent contemporary art galleries in Athens city center. It is housed in an impressive neoclassical building in the ultra-chic Kolonaki district, a cultural hub for artists and art lovers alike! Rebecca Camhi Gallery features artworks by Greek and international artists, showcasing a diverse range of mediums, including installations, sculptures, new media, paintings, and photos.
Through its exhibitions and the representation of international contemporary artists in Greece and Greek contemporary artists abroad, the Rebecca Camhi Gallery actively promotes and contributes to the contemporary art scene. The gallery’s building also serves as a venue for events, workshops, book presentations, and more!
Address: 9 Leonidou Street, Athens
National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) hosts one of the largest contemporary art collections in Greece, showcasing the work of numerous Greek and international artists. Housed in a 6-floor former beer brewery on Syngrou Avenue, this museum boasts a strategic location, as well as panoramic views.
EMST focuses on showcasing the works of numerous Greek and international artists, with an emphasis on the 21st-century art scene, so expect to encounter innovative installations, social-cultural artworks, conceptual pieces, and video art. The museum also offers workshops and educational programs that aim to promote contemporary art and provide a space for artistic experimentation!
Address: Kallirois Avenue and Fratzi Street, Athens
Gagosian Gallery
Gagosian Gallery holds a prominent position in the contemporary Athenian art scene, with a global reputation. Founded by renowned gallerist Larry Gagosian in Los Angeles in 1980, Gagosian is part of an art network of galleries located in several cities around the world, including Paris, Hong Kong, London, and New York.
Gagosian Gallery in Athens is situated in a modernist mansion in Kolonaki, featuring a wide variety of contemporary artworks by both established and up-and-coming international artists, like photos, sculptures, paintings, and innovative multimedia installations!
Address: 22 Anapiron Polemou Street, Athens
Eleni Koroneou Gallery
The Eleni Koroneou Gallery was founded in 1989, aiming to bring artworks of European and American artists to Greek art lovers. In 2009, the founder Eleni Koroneou with her daughter Alexandra Oikonomou opened a new art space in a beautiful neoclassical building in Thissio.
This new contemporary art hub features contemporary paintings, installations, sculptures, and photographs by hand-picked international and emerging Greek artists that challenge conventions, being a breath of fresh air to the contemporary art scene. Beyond hosting contemporary art exhibitions, the Eleni Koroneou Gallery also plays a central role in the local artistic community through several events and educational programs!
Address: 30 Dimofontos and 7 Thorikion Street, Athens
Pandora Art Gallery
Located in the heart of Athens’s historic center, Pandora Art Gallery is an ideal destination for art lovers who want to combine sightseeing with culture and art. One of the top art galleries in Athens, Pandora will introduce you to Greek cultural heritage and mythology through several exhibits, including paintings and sculptures.
Each piece in Pandora Art Gallery in Athens pays tribute to the Greek cultural heritage while being modern and contemporary. Meeting the highest standards and encapsulating the essence of artistic expression, this gallery’s exhibits will captivate you!
Address: 70 Andrianou Street, Athens
Where to buy art in Athens
There are many places where you can buy art in Athens! Except for art galleries that sell the artworks they display, many art shops throughout the city sell pieces of art from local and international artists. Moreover, the gift shops of the art museums in Athens sell unique pieces, from paintings to sculptures and crafts that make great gifts and decorations for your home.
The contemporary art scene in Athens is vibrant and diverse, with many art galleries that redefine the notion of creativity, connecting international and local artists with art enthusiasts. So, whether you are a passionate art lover or just want to see what Athens’ art scene has to offer, visiting the art galleries of Athens is a must-do!
