Newsletter January 2022
Athens Brings the Happy in January
Déjà vu. We’ve just entered our third new year under the yoke of pandemic. But will Athens let that dampen its “live in the moment” vibe? It will not. Join us as we dare hope that 2022 brings more bright rays than clouds (sunshine is our status quo after all) and only the best kind of dramas: the staged kind that comes with applause and international accolades - as Athens’ buzz as a contemporary culture hub grows ever louder (just ask The New York Times). New year, new tastes, new hopes, new hangouts… it’s all happening in Athens.
These 6 Athens Art Hotels could double as Galleries
Art-centric seaside resorts. Hip crashpads splashed with street murals. Elegant downtown classics kitted out by global art collectors. Here are some of the best stays for art aficionados in Athens.
5 ‘New Wave’ Burger Bars that have Upped the Game for Burger Lovers in Athens
Athenians can’t get enough of posh burgers these days. Find out where we're going to purge that premium burger urge.
A new Green Oasis for the Athens Riviera as €8bn Landmark Project begins
The first long-awaited slice of one of Europe’s biggest urban redevelopments has finally arrived at the old Athens airport site – and it’s set to become the world’s largest coastal metropolitan park.
3 Great Ways to Tap the Contemporary Art Buzz of Athens
We’ve shared the city’s artiest hotels. Now, double down on your Athens art immersion:
• Art-curious travellers and collectors can embark on a guided bespoke art tour to discover contemporary treasures beyond the major museums. Visit urban galleries and studios and mingle with gallerists and artists;
• Head down to Piraeus where a brace of new cosmopolitan galleries has transformed this historic seaside port into Athens’ hippest art hub;
• More into beautiful concepts than pretty pictures? Immerse yourself in the rich trove of conceptual art at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) and tick off big guns like star sculptor Costas Varotsos, and Greek-American light art pioneer Chryssa.
What’s on in Athens
Melina Mercouri: Remember me and Love me / 18 January - 11 March
To Greeks, she’s simply “Melina”. A woman who could, and did, do everything: outstanding actress, marvelous singer, fierce politician and activist. Celebrate the stellar life of "the last Greek Goddess” with unseen photos, costumes, movie posters, and letters to the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier and Joan Crawford.
Parallel Space: Terracotta Warriors in Greece / Until 28 February
Come face to face with the famous 3rd century Terracotta Army of Xi’an, built to guard China’s First Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, in this gripping digital exhibition.
Sean Scully: Passenger / Until 13 February
Sean Scully, possibly the most influential abstract artist painting today, returns to Athens ten years after his last exhibition for a retrospective showcase.
Moby Dick The Musical / 9 Feb – 10 April
All aboard as Captain Ahab’s doomed quest for revenge against a ship-smashing superwhale is transformed into a whirlwind musical jaunt.
Henry Rollins: Good to See You / 17 January
A touring talk show by the great Henry Rollins – a man who bills himself as activist-writer-singer-comic-storyteller … it’ll be anything but dull.