Hellenic School
The Hellenic School is a building of early neoclassical architecture.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1856 Beginning of construction.
1859 Completion.
1871 Became property of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens.
1872 A two-storey building was added on Massalias Street. It housed a chemical laboratory, an anatomy amphitheater and a morgue, where the bodies of resistance fighters and victims of famine were identified during the Nazi occupation.
1972 The dictatorship almost demolished it to build a new Ministry of Education. It survived thanks to the university dean’s and prominent architects’ strong reaction.
1980 Due to serious damage from a strong earthquake, restoration began under the supervision of Solon Kydoniatis and also, the adjacent newer buildings were demolished. The restoration was completed 3 years later and the project was handed over to the public after another 3 years.
2002 A total interior remodeling took place that lasted 2 years.
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
The “pink building”, as many used to call it, is a work of early classicism and was probably designed by Stamatis Kleanthis. Nowadays, it houses the offices of emeritus professors of the University of Athens and its premises host periodic exhibitions and other cultural events. The current colour of the building is consistent with that of the period it was built, as strong colours were not uncommon at that time.
What I can't see
It was built to house the “Hellenic School” of Gregory Papadopoulos and included a boarding school, an indoor gymnasium, classrooms, a ceremonial hall, a restaurant and a chapel. Kleanthis had designed the Arsakeion, but to his great disappointment, his plans were rejected. With this building, he proved his worth as an architect and received praise in Greece and abroad. The building then became property of the University of Athens and housed museums and laboratories. For a short period of time, it was granted to the Theatre Museum to house its library, but soon was utilized by the university again. It has been named after the poet Kostis Palamas, who served as the general secretary of the university for 30 years and his residence was near.
Info
- Address: 48 Akadimias & Massalias St.
Bibliography
National Research Foundation, (d.u.), Αρχαιολογία της πόλης των Αθηνών, [Archaeology of the city of Athens], in
https://archaeologia.eie.gr/archaeologia/gr/arxeio_more.aspx?id=82
Last visit 31/3/2025
Zivas D.A.., (2012), Αρχιτεκτονικός Οδηγός Αθηνών, [Architectural Guide of Athens], Cultural Foundation of Pireos Group
Mitropoulou K., (d.u.), Αθήνα, μνήμες και κτήρια, [Athens, memories and buildings], Athens: Sideris Publication
Filippidis D., (2006), Αρχιτεκτονικές Μεταμορφώσεις, Ι. μητροπολιτικά κέντρα, [Architectural Transformations, I. metropolitan centres], Melissa
