Municipal Gallery of Athens

Municipal Gallery of Athens Review

One of Athens's oldest neoclassic buildings—an architectural jewel set in the rapidly-regaining-its-former-glory Metaxourgeio neighborhood—became the new home of the city's Municipal Art Collection in 2010. The former silk factory, designed in 1833 by Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen, now houses almost 3,000 important art works from leading 19th- and 20th-century Greek artists (most of the works were acquired during the '30s and '40s). The newly renovated building was inaugurated with a major showing of the Economou Collection (he's a well-known Greek businessman and art collector) and will continue hosting its municipal permanent collection as well as an evolving calendar of temporary exhibitions and events.