What I can see

The museum of the city of Athens is hosted in two preserved houses: the house of the banker Stamatios Dekozis- Vouros (right) and his son Konstantinos Vouros (left). The first is one of the first examples of early austere classicism, designed by the German architects Luders and Hoffer. The second is a three-storey building designed by the military engineer Gerasimos Metaxas. Today, the façade is entirely different from the original, as it was radically redesigned in 1916 with neo-baroque elements. The museum was donated by Lambros Eftaxias, great-grandson of Stamatios Dekozis-Vouros. The exhibits are related to the city, especially from the Frankish period and beyond, with particular emphasis on the reign of Otto. It includes paintings, sculptures, engravings, original models of the rebuilding of Athens in 1842, the representation of the palace’s kitchen, the throne room, the office of Otto, the manuscript of the first Constitution of 1844, coins, documents, photographs, ancient objects and much more besides. Equally important is the collection of Kosmas Stathis. Besides, the museum has a library, a lecture hall and a lovely cafe.

What I can't see

It was the first temporary palace of Otto and Amalia until the construction of the Palace (the current Parliament). For this reason, it was also called “Old Palace”. The house of Dekozis – Vouros was the reception area, while the functional spaces and the royal residence were the neighbouring houses of Afthonidis and Mastronikolas, which have been demolished. Here the first receptions of the royal couple were held, which impressed the Athenians. As well the phrase “Mind the chandelier” by Kolokotronis was coined as he addressed his nephew, who while dancing used to kick his rustic shoes up into the air.

Info

• Address: 5-7 Paparigopoulou St.
• Postal Code : 10561
• Phone: +30 210 3231397/ 210 3230168/ 210 3246164
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.athenscitymuseum.gr

Bibliography