What I can see

Today, we can see the new building of the Athenian Club, designed by Emmanuel Vourekas. It is a building of late modernism and the neo-historic elements are evident, such as the marble revetment, the symmetry and the arcades of the ground floor. These elements emerged for two reasons: The first is Panepistimiou Street and its very important neoclassical buildings, thus the architect respected their style and history. The second is related to the period of its construction. It was built during the dictatorship and the regime often forced the architects to make a “connection” with classical antiquity. The building has modern lines, soft volume plasticity and simple openings, which form vertical axes.

What I can't see

The Michail Melas (1833-1897) Mansion was located here and housed the Athens Club, which was initially housed on the ground floor of Vassilios Melas Mansion, in Kotzia Square. Famous and prominent personalities, such as politicians, military men, writers and professors gathered in the style of English clubs, in the then luxurious building on Panepistimiou Street, with its crystal revolving entrance doors and luxurious interior decoration. It was also one of the first buildings to have central heating. After World War I, the mansion was unitised with the adjacent house and during the interwar period, lectures and charity activities were held. In addition to the main hall (chat room), there was a library, barber shop, restaurant, fencing room, gym and card and billiard rooms.  During World War II, it was commandeered by the Germans and after the war, by the English. Its demolition was decided during the dictatorship and the club settled in the newly built premises, a few years later. To this day, in order to become a member of the club, one must be a man, resident of Athens for at least 20 years and have noticeable economic activity.

Info

• Address: 11 Panepistimiou/ El. Venizelou & Amerikis St.
• Postal Code : 10564
• Phone: +30 210 3242611-3
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.athensclub.gr

Bibliography