Greece is a country boasting an impressive history. Ever since antiquity, great civilizations have flourished here. And this is why sometimes people get confused. They often get to think that Greece is a place where the past is celebrated, whereas the present not as much. The truth is that contemporary art is equally breathtaking. This is why travelers will find various Athens Contemporary Art Museums and Galleries to visit throughout the year. Permanent or temporary, such initiatives reflect the timeless value of Greek culture and highlight the never-ending blooming period for the Arts.

National Museum of Contemporary Art

This is the epitome of contemporary culture in Athens. Established in 2000, the museum is open to the public for a unique experience. It is worth noting that this museum is housed where an old brewery was located back in the day. Right next to Syggrou Fix Metro Station, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) is great for exploring the Athenian lifestyle and special character of the city. Implementing an ambitious museologic and museographic agenda, the museum also focuses on exhibiting the work of modern Greek and international artists. Costas Tsoklis, Chryssa, George Hadjimichalis, Ilya Kabakov, Gary Hill are among the most loved artists on display

DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art

Located in the Northern Suburbs of Nea Ionia, DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art has resulted from the hard work of a collector, Dakis Joannou. Deste means look in Greek and this has been the inspiration for a great space, highlighting modern masterpieces of art. Its flexibility is amazing, allowing the foundation to cope with modern demands. The exhibitions are diverse and follow the global trends in the fields of Art and Culture. Besides the collections, on site there is a research and educational institute for modern art and design.

Benaki Museum

Although the central building of Benaki Museum is located in the Kolonaki area, there are several other buildings displaying contemporary collections all over Athens. If you are art connoisseurs and enthusiasts, then you should follow their scheduled exhibitions and visit as many as possible. This museum is definitely among the top Athens Contemporary Art Museums nowadays and is setting the trends in the city. If you visit the central Athens building, you will fall in love with the neoclassical architecture and bright spaces. Another reason to visit!

These are just few of the museums you may visit, in order to glimpse at the contemporary artistic identity of Athens. Galleries such as Bernier-Eliades, Eleni Koroneou Gallery and Gagosian, Can and Kalfayan, along with the Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center, will all inspire and amaze you.