The Municipal Gallery of Athens is a free art museum in Metaxourgio, housed in a restored 19th-century Neoclassical building that once operated as a silk factory. Its collection includes works by Greek artists, with paintings, engravings, sketches and plans spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibitions change, so a visit can bring a different selection of Greek art each time. Look out for displays focused on modern artists, including a past exhibition devoted to a Greek artist couple and their work from the 1950s.
The gallery’s collection
The gallery holds about 3,000 works, most created by Greek artists in the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes paintings, engravings, sketches and plans. Artists associated with important developments in modern Greek art are represented, alongside artists from the Greek diaspora and newer practitioners.
Engravings form a notable part of the collection, bringing together work by established printmakers and later artists. The museum does not rely on one permanent display: exhibitions change, so the works on view can differ from one visit to another.
From silk factory to gallery
The building in Metaxourgio was designed in the Neoclassical style and operated as a silk factory until 1875. After serving other purposes, it was abandoned and later restored. The Municipal Gallery has been based here since 2010.
Before moving to Metaxourgio, the gallery occupied a Neoclassical building on Koumoundourou Square, which is now used to conserve artworks. The move gave the collection a new setting in a former industrial building.
Changing exhibitions
Alongside the collection, the gallery presents changing exhibitions of Greek art. One exhibition focused on a husband-and-wife pair of Greek artists, with particular attention to their work from the 1950s. The programme has also included modern and contemporary artists, from established names to emerging talent.
The selection on view can be smaller than the full collection. Check the current exhibition before making the gallery the main focus of a trip, especially if you have a particular artist or period in mind.
FAQ
Is the Municipal Gallery of Athens free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is the Municipal Gallery of Athens?
It is in Metaxourgio, at the corner of Millerou and Leonidou streets.
What can you see at the gallery?
The collection includes paintings, engravings, sketches and plans by Greek artists, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Changing exhibitions add other works to see.
Is the Municipal Gallery of Athens open every day?
No. It is closed on Mondays. It opens Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
