Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation: A Cultural Gem in Athens
In the vibrant heart of Athens, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, the newly inaugurated Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation stands as a beacon of contemporary European art. This remarkable 11-storey building, an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly merges modern design with neoclassical aesthetics, spans an impressive 7,250 square meters. Within its walls, visitors can explore 180 exceptional works and objects of art by some of the most distinguished European painters and sculptors.
A Century of Contemporary European Art
The journey for Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation in the world of modern art began with their acquisition of a painting by Paul Cézanne, whom Picasso famously referred to as “the father of us all.” Over nearly fifty years, the Goulandris couple meticulously built a magnificent collection featuring works by some of the most renowned Modern Artists. Today, this collection is finally accessible to the public, offering a unique opportunity to admire a wide array of masterpieces.
The museum’s impressive exhibits span the years 1880 to 1980. On the first and second floors, visitors can marvel at the artistic creations of El Greco, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Fernand Léger, Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon, Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, Jean Hélion, Hans Arp, Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, César, Jean Tinguely, Niki de Saint Phalle, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Balthus, Victor Brauner, Giorgio de Chirico, and many others.
The third and fourth floors are dedicated to an impressive collection of Greek Modern Art, featuring works by Yannis Moralis, Giorgos Bouzianis, Yannis Tsarouchis, Nikos Hatzikyriakos-Ghika, Michalis Tombros, Konstantinos Parthenis, Alekos Fassianos, and more.
Beyond visual arts, the museum also houses a room filled with exquisite French furniture crafted by renowned 18th-century cabinet-makers (ébénistes) and Chinese art objects made from nephrite and porcelain, offering visitors a glimpse into the refined tastes of different eras.
Cultural and Educational Activities
The Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation is not just a place for viewing art; it is a vibrant cultural hub offering a variety of educational programs. Art enthusiasts can enjoy documentary screenings that provide fascinating insights into some of the exhibited works. The museum also serves as a venue for concerts, theatrical performances, and discussions, catering to both adults and children through a diverse range of activities and workshops.
Every weekend, the museum hosts educational programs for children, adolescents, and adults, including creative workshops and skill-enhancing activities related to the arts. These programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Enhancing Your Visit
A visit to the museum would be incomplete without a stop at the museum shop, located on the ground floor next to the reception area. Here, visitors can find a wide selection of unique and specialized products, including everyday items and replicas of objects inspired by the museum’s incredible collection.
For those looking to indulge in a culinary experience, the museum’s Café-Restaurant offers modern Greek cuisine made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to relax and reflect on the art you’ve just experienced.
The museum also boasts a library with 6,000 volumes covering a broad spectrum of art-related topics. This collection includes monographs, exhibition catalogues, and art periodicals, all available for on-site reading.
The museum’s prime location offers a stunning view of the Acropolis, making it an ideal venue for hosting events such as conferences, symposia, company meetings, social gatherings, seminars, workshops, and screenings.
Plan Your Visit
For more information on opening hours, ticket purchasing, and directions, visit the museum’s official website.
For detailed information, you can visit the official website >> Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation.
Experience the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of the Museum of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation, where the past and present of European art come alive in the heart of Athens.
