The National Museum of Contemporary Art, or EMST, is on Kallirrois Avenue in Athens, inside the former Fix brewery. Its collection brings Greek and international contemporary art together, from paintings and sculpture to video and installations. Look for works by artists including Jannis Kounellis, Shirin Neshat and Bill Viola, alongside temporary exhibitions that change what is on view. The restored industrial building adds another layer to the visit, and the rooftop restaurant has views towards the Acropolis. There is also a bookshop and a café.
Art at EMST
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens, known as EMST, collects, preserves and exhibits contemporary Greek and international art. The collection connects Greek artists with work from the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Its historic section reaches back to the second half of the 20th century, alongside more recent work.
The displays include painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations. Artists represented in the collection include Jannis Kounellis, Stephen Antonakos, Vlassis Caniaris, Chryssa, Gary Hill, Shirin Neshat, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Lucas Samaras and Bill Viola. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions, so the selection on view can change.
Themes in the collection
The permanent collection has been arranged around themes including memory, political narratives, boundaries and passages, and new perspectives on the familiar. These groupings bring different artistic approaches into conversation and give you a route through ideas as well as individual works.
Contemporary art can take forms beyond paintings and sculpture. At EMST, video, film and multimedia installations sit alongside more familiar formats. The mix makes the museum a useful stop if you want to see how Greek and international artists work with image, space and technology.
The former Fix brewery
EMST occupies the former Fix brewery on Kallirrois Avenue. The brewery was established in the late 19th century, and its building was redesigned in the 1950s in a modernist style. The industrial structure was later renovated for the museum, creating exhibition spaces within a building with its own architectural history.
The museum began operating in 2000, with the former brewery chosen as its permanent home. Its location and architecture make the visit distinct from a gallery set in a purpose-built contemporary building. After seeing the exhibitions, you can continue to the rooftop restaurant, which has views towards the Acropolis, or browse the bookshop.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens?
EMST is at Kallirrois Avenue and Amvr. Frantzi, in the former Fix brewery.
What can you see at EMST?
The museum displays contemporary Greek and international art, including paintings, sculpture, photography, video and installations. Temporary exhibitions are also held.
Is the National Museum of Contemporary Art open on Mondays?
No. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Does EMST have a rooftop café or restaurant?
Yes. The rooftop restaurant has views towards the Acropolis.
