Greece – Culture
Venues:
Odeon of Herodes Atticus – Athens
A stone, open-air theater in the slopes of the Acropolis, built in 161 AD. During the summer, the theater comes to life with classical Greek shows and musicals that will transport you back to ancient times.
More info: https://whyathens.com/odeon-of-herodes-atticus/
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – Kallithea, Attica
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) was built in a futuristic sleek style and is one of the most sustainable complex buildings in the world. The SNFCC is actually a huge community space which offers a significant number of educational, recreational, and cultural activities for visitors. It is home to the National Library of Greece, Stavros Niarchos Park, and the Greek National Opera.
More info: https://www.snf.org/en/initiatives/snfcc/
The National Museum of Contemporary Art – Athens
The museum hosts contemporary Greek and international art and offers exhibitions and programs for the public, as well as a diverse collection of art mediums like sculptures, installations, and industrial designs.
More info: https://www.emst.gr/en/
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki – Thessaloniki, North Greece
As one of the largest museums in Greece, the museum boasts extraordinary collections of artifacts dating from ancient Macedonia, from all the way back to the Prehistoric age.
More info: https://www.amth.gr/en
Benaki Museum – Athens
One of the most important folklore museums in Greece with focus on the traditional works of art that local artists made through the ages. These include traditional uniforms, jewels, agricultural tools, furniture, and great paintings.
* Interesting folklore museums can be found in many Greek islands and villages around the country.
More info: https://www.discovergreece.com/experiences/benaki-museum-greek-culture
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum houses more than 3.000 famous artefacts from the Athenian Acropolis, the most significant sanctuary of the ancient city. The Museum narrates the story of life on the Sacred Rock from prehistoric times until the end of Antiquity.
More info: https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
Festivals:
Athens Epidaurus Greek Festival – Athens & Epidaurus
The Athens Epidaurus Greek Festival takes place every summer (June – August) and includes various performances, like ancient drama, ballet, opera, jazz, classical music concerts and art exhibitions. The events take place in various places around Athens and in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The peak of this festival is the ancient drama performances that are displayed on summer weekends in Epidaurus.
More info: www.greekfestival.gr
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
It is one of the most important cultural events in Greece. It takes place every November and it works as a stand for new directors to present their work.
More info: https://www.greeka.com/macedonia/thessaloniki/festivals/international-film-festival/
Naxos Festival – Naxos island
It takes place every July and August in Bazeos Tower, Naxos island and includes musical concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, lectures, and art workshops.
More info: www.bazeostower.gr
Kalymnos Climbing Festival– Kalymnos island
A somewhat different festival, it an annual event for climbing enthusiasts. This leading event attracts thousands of climbers from abroad to the rocky island of Kalymnos (Dodecanese). The event includes climbing workshops for children and adults, Greek dance lessons, day trips and music performances.
More info: https://climbingfestival.kalymnos-isl.gr/
Kalamata International Dance Festival, Kalamata
It is held every July in the town of Kalamata (Peloponese). Dancers and dance groups of contemporary dance and art from around the world gather to share their passion with attendees.
More info: https://kalamatadancefestival.gr/en/
Other interesting inputs
Athens Authentic Marathon – Athens
The Authentic Marathon at Athens is an annual festival held in November. The event is strongly connected with ancient times, organized in honor of Pheidippides, a runner who ran 26 miles to Athens to deliver a message about the defeat of Persia in 490 BC.
More info: https://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/site/index.php/en/
The Greek Panigiri – all around Greece
A Panigiri is a centuries-old traditional and cultural festival organised during the summer months mainly in the villages of Greek islands and mainlands. It is a type of fair or festival that celebrates the patron saint of the region it is held at with traditional Greek music, lots of dancing and large amounts of food.
