French Institute

What I can see

The French Institute is one of the city’s most important institutions. It is housed in a building of modern architecture, designed by Demosthenes Molfessis. Originally, it had 14 rooms, with an additional four rooms added later, bringing its total capacity to 160 persons. The trapezoid shape of the classrooms facilitates the use of audio-visual methods. It is a simple construction with exposed reinforced concrete, adapted to its urban environment and attempts to project its cultural function. It stands out for the manipulative plasticity of materials and functionality of consolidated openings.

What I can't see

It was first established as the French High School (1906) by the French People’s Expedition, with the purpose of converting Orthodox, Jews and Muslims, while Thessaloniki was still under Ottoman rule. Thirty years later, it operated as a cultural foundation for the first time. The French Institute is active in the following areas: 1) the hosting of French language courses and exams, 2) information on studying in France, 3) the arts, with an emphasis on the visual arts and participation in major cultural events in Northern Greece. The Institute used to house the French Consulate Headquarters and the School of Modern Greek Language of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Info

• Address: 2A Stratou Av.
• Postal Code : 54007
• Phone: +30 2310 821231
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ift.gr/

Bibliography