Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)
The Athens Concert Hall's facade has doric influences, which refer to ancient Greece, in spite of the building being of modern design.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1956 Public land was provided for the construction of the Concert Hall.
1976 The construction started based on designs by Emmanouel Vourekas and Heinrich Keilholz. Building works stopped in 1979.
1981 Christos Lambrakis was elected Chairman of the Association. His contribution was significant for the construction of the Concert Hall.
1991 It was inaugurated in the presence of many important international Soloists.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
It is arguably the most prominent contemporary space for music performance in the country and a renowned venue internationally. Its architecture is not as highly regarded despite the evident luxury and refinement of the building. The Doric-style facade has incorporated elements of the ancient period; Doric order but is a distinctly and recognizably modern design. The facade is impressive but the rest of the building is not as striking. The entire building is lined with marble. This extensive use of marble and the colonnade of the facade indicate an attempt to cast neoclassical values in a modern light.
What I can't see
The founding of the Megaron Concert Hall was inspired by the mezzo-soprano Alexandra Triantis-Kyriakidis, who along with Lambros Eftaxias established the “Friends of Music” association. The construction of the Megaron was the association’s initiative. The interior is luxurious, with wood panelling in the big hall, which is removable so that the space can be modified according to the requirements of each event. The Megaron has a total of six halls. In addition, it is renowned for its sophisticated equipment and outstanding acoustics. Apart from musical performances, it also hosts art exhibitions and it houses the Music Library, the largest and most significant in the country.
Info
- Address: V. Sofias Av. & Kokkali St.
- Postal Code : 11521
- Phone: +30 210 7282000
- Website: http://www.megaron.gr
Bibliography
Technical Chamber of Greece (2000), Μέγαρο Μουσικής Αθηνών, [Megaron Athens Concert Hall], culture2000,
http://www.culture2000.tee.gr/ATHENS/GREEK/main2.html
Last visit 8/12/2013
Zivas D.A., (2012), Αρχιτεκτονικός Οδηγός Αθηνών, [Architectural Guide of Athens], Cultural Foundation of Pireos Group
Megaron Athens Concert Hall, (d.u.), Είκοσι χρόνια Μέγαρο, [Twenty years Megaron]
http://www.megaron20.gr/el/
Last visit 8/12/2013
