City of Athens Cultural Organisation

What I can see

We see one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was built and operated for over a century as the Municipal or Civil Hospital of Athens, but today is used as the premises of the City of Athens Cultural Organisation. It is a work of early classicism, its facades are simple and the central pediment stands out. The courtyard had a wall, which was demolished during the building’s renovation in 1972, to create the Writers’ Garden that hosted some rare sculptures. Today, the garden is closed and most of the sculptures have been temporarily removed, in order the construction site of the Metro Line 4 station to be developed. The building has exhibition spaces and an amphitheatre (Tritsis hall). At the corner of Solonos and Massalias Streets, is the church of Agii Anargyri, which was the hospital’s church.

What I can't see

Even though architects preferred the neo-Byzantine order for charitable institutions, so that there is a connection with Christianity, the architecture of this hospital followed the architecture of educational institutions (e.g. universities, research institutions). It was probably designed by Friedrich Stauffert and modified by Eduard Schaubert and Christian Hansen. It was completed with donations from the King of Bavaria and father of King Otto, Louis, the Duchess of Plakentia and many prominent Greeks of the time (e.g. Alexandros Mavrokordatos, Rallou Mourouzi and others). It was almost demolished during the Metaxas dictatorship. Furthermore, the Theatre Museum was hosted on the ground floor for many decades. Today, it hosts the central services of the Culture, Sports and Youth Organization of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA) and also conferences, workshops, lectures, book presentations and various cultural events take place.

Info

• Address: 50 Akadimias St.
• Postal Code : 10679
• Phone: +30 210 3621601, 3616674
• Website: http://www.cityofathens.gr/en/city-athens-cultural-organisation-0

Bibliography