Luxury, by definition, is not supposed to be for everyone. And surely not for free. That is why the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was such a surprise for Athenian society.
We have visited SNFCC, with my family, numerous times. We have been to the National Library, the National Opera, exhibitions, concerts, playing grounds, open-air cinema movies, simple walks, conferences, and much more. We even have been to a New Year’s Eve celebration!
I cannot emphasize enough the value time gains when it is spent in this cultural center!
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center gave the city of a new feeling of self-worth. There are other parks. Some are big ones. And we have numerous cultural events. There are wonderfully scattered throughout Athens’ neighborhoods.
But we never had before this beautiful combination all in one huge venue, open for everybody, free and so valuable.
SNFCC truly redefined for Athens what open space means. Athletic events, canoeing, running, yoga for all ages, and ice skating for kids, all in one destination! Who knew?
National Library of Greece
We loved our National Library. One of the three emblematic buildings in the center of Athens, the Athenian trilogy, our library was always there. But in some way it did not feel that …relevant to us.
We would proudly show the Vallianeio Building to our friends, we would take our children to see it, and we still do. But when it came to needing a library it did not come to mind. This has drastically changed ever since our National Library was moved to the SNFCC!
A welcoming modern fully equipped library with more than 720.000 items constitutes an impressive collection. The beautiful, fully airconditioned venue is now visited daily by numerous readers of all ages and backgrounds. You will see researchers, students, tourists, any citizens, or visitors.
It is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 20.00 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 14.00. These new, state-of-the-art technology facilities have already become a venue to repeatedly go to. Or if you are having your vacation in Athens, visit at least once.
Greek National Opera
The Greek National Opera is situated in the SNFCC Complex. The building is already famous for its exceptional acoustics. All productions are highlighted. The experience of watching any plays at the Stavros Niarchos Hall and the Alternative Stage is unique.
Musicals, operas and operettas, lyric theatre, and performances with visual arts are now just a ticket away from the public.
As people visit and revisit the SNFCC they become accustomed to all its facilities. The opera, which was for the majority a far-away concept, now seems within reach. One more cultural alternative. Concerning the GNO, this new intimacy, and this expanded audience may be the biggest benefit of all.
For more information and the program now about operas, ballet, experimental projects, shows for children, educational programs, and much more, you may visit the Greek National Opera.
The Stavros Niarchos Park
Stavros Niarchos Park is one of the largest green areas in Athens, covering 21 hectares.
One can visit the gardens with the flora, the Agora, the lobby with the exhibition of Spyros Louis Cup, the Reading Room in front of the National Library of Greece, the Dome, the Stages, the Lighthouse, the Canal, – that is 400 meters long, 30 meters wide, and it “unites” SNFCC with the Faliro coast – the open air cinema, the fun hunting games, the music events, the math puzzles, the special environmental programs, and the list goes on and on.
All these, plus a beautiful view of the sea and the Acropolis.
The Park is a public space with open access for all. Facilities are equipped to assist people with disabilities, for example, complete wheelchair accessibility, braille signage, ramps, and elevators.
The Park in the SNFCC is an experience you do not want to miss!
The Events
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Culture Center is continuously offering a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages.
The concerts are almost non-stop! Greek music, traditional or modern, pop, rock concerts, and beautiful jazz nights, there is always something going on.
Children and grown-ups enjoy the Dancing Fountains at the Canal and the Fun water games at the Water Jets.
Children become Park’s Little Gardeners and receive lessons on sustainability awareness. Many visitors take a bike ride with the SNFCC bikes. There are guided tours and numerous cultural, educational, athletic, environmental, and recreational activities and events.
There are also exhibitions, talks, and the children’s reading club.
Do not forget to visit the top – literary – place in the area, the SNFCC lighthouse, with panoramic views of Athens, Piraeus, and the Saronic Gulf, reachable by walking or by using the lifts.
Food in restaurants, snacks at the Pharos Café, or tricycles for coffee, refreshing juices, and sweets are everywhere in the Park! One can have the tastiest crepes and waffles and a variety of tasty snacks at the Park kiosk.
SNFCC offers visitors unique experiences fun culture and relaxation, all at a splendid view.
- Stay tuned and check what is happening now so that you organize your visit. Check the Events Calendar.
- Opening Hours? Easy! Every day all day long until midnight. Details on opening and how to get there you can find Here
The concept of major donations that shaped this city by wealthy benefactors is not new to Athens. Maybe it is not that common in modern Athens. Back in 1888, there were people like Evangelos Zappas. Nowadays we have the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
The SNFCC was designed by the Italian architectural firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Culture Center is a donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). It was created thanks to an exclusive grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and upon its completion in 2017, it was delivered to the Greek State. And to all of us! Have fun!