General State Archives

What I can see

The building of the State Archives is a treasure trove of documents, handwritten codes and rare photographs. It is a building designed according to the principles of modernism, with references to classical antiquity (e.g. the marble lining with white marble from Dionysos). Due to the fact that construction of the building was delayed, the architects (Dakanalis, Boubiotis, Tsigounis, Floros) refused to alter the original design, and remained faithful to the influence of modernity at a time when postmodernism dominated architecture. Its premises have a total area of ​​3,500 sq.m. and aside from the laboratories and guarded spaces, there are a reading room, library, drawing, map, seminar, lecture rooms, exhibition space, offices and a canteen.

 

What I can't see

Efforts have been made to accommodate the General State Archives in a special building since 1914, but this did not become a reality until 2003. The construction period of the building lasted about two decades, and the initial plan was readjusted slightly to meet contemporary needs. The building’s design follows the British “loose fit” model, so the new additional networks did not require major building changes. The archives are kept on shelves with a total length of 27 kilometers; they are highly protected from aggressive acts or fire and maintenance laboratories and disinfestation facilities are also available. Only 1/3 of the building is visible aboveground, with public areas accessible through an entrance at the upper levels of the building. Thanks to the sloping ground, the areas open to the public are kept harmoniously separated from other areas belowground that are off-limits to visitors.

 

Info

• Address: 61 Dafnis St.
• Postal Code : 15452
• Phone: +30 210 6782200
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.gak.gr/

Bibliography