Newsletter January 2021
New Beginnings in Athens
Where were you last January? What were your hopes and expectations for the year ahead? 2020 didn’t just transform our cities and profoundly alter our reality; it changed every single one of us at our core. Across the planet, our priorities have been shaken up; our professions pivoted; our dreams re-written. As we approach our first anniversary of living with Covid-19, the word is spreading that Athens - with its winter sun, warm nature, affordability and strategic location - makes an unbeatable base to weather the pandemic - and perhaps, even begin a new life. Tempted?
Even Lockdown is Better in Athens
“Even in lockdown, the life in Athens is so amazing that I don’t feel locked in. I feel reborn.” With remote-working now king, Athens is luring professionals from all over the world (like Safiya Mary Rose, above) in search of a more rewarding existence. We asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital. Read More
Soaking up the creative energy of Athens.
Thomas Gravanis
Meet the Winter Swimmers of Athens
Where else in Europe but Athens can you swim all year-round? This shuttered winter, many Athenians have taken to the waters along the city coastline to ease the monotony of lockdown life and experience the exhilarating rush of diving into chilly seas. Take the plunge with them! Read More
You don't have to be young to fall in love with Erotospilia.
Manos Chatzikonstantis
Athens to re-light an Historic Icon as a New Art Space
One of Athens’ architectural emblems—the old Public Tobacco Factory—is to be reborn in 2021 with a new cultural identity. Prompted by this year’s bicentennial celebrations of Greece’s War of Independence, the pioneering Greek art foundation NEON will renovate the listed monument and stage an international art show; before gifting it back to Athens as a new culture hub. Read More
NEON
• Shops re-opened this week, bringing a welcome taste of normality - and the chance to bag a January bargain. From handmade sandals and designer boutiques to shopping malls and sharp street fashion, we have your one-stop guide to shopping in Athens.
• Children stuck at home in Athens - and across the world - can now dive into a raft of inspiring games, entertaining videos and inventive activities on the Acropolis Museum’s brilliant new micro-site for kids;
• While we wait to roam wide and free again, set out on a rejuvenating city hike. Choose from landmark lookouts, rooftop gardens or breezy seaside strolls.
ReDo
3D Virtual Reality Date with the Acropolis
Revive lost monuments of the Acropolis Rock, such as the Temple of Zeus, in all their 360 degree glory, thanks to this immersive augmented and virtual reality tool that’s supported by archaeologists. And when lockdown lifts, you can visualise all the temples and statues of the Acropolis exactly as they were 2,000 years ago, while you walk around the actual present-day site. Read More
What’s On-line in Athens in January
Everyday Heroes - Until 25 March
The Museum of Cycladic Art builds on its popular kids’ drawing contest series with a new open call for children everywhere to unmask their own everyday heroes.
GNO TV
Pandemic has fast-tracked the arrival of an exciting new on-line channel for the arts, featuring world-class opera, musical theatre and fresh on-line festivals, courtesy of the Greek National Opera.
Animal Planet - Until 28 February
Jazz up your January in the new virtual viewing room of Bernier-Eliades as their digital exhibition, Animal Planet, hosts a colourful medley of contemporary works from international and Greek talent.
Benaki Museum remains Open On-line
Hark, good tidings: the Benaki Museum serves up rich helpings of virtual culture to brighten those long hours indoors with its #MuseumFromHome platform.