This is Athens City Festival

Walking Through History
2025-05-24 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/Athens) | National Archaeological Museum, Patission 44, Athens, Athens, 106 82, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek .

The National Archaeological Museum and Dr. Kostas Paschalidis present an afternoon walk through the concise history of the Greek State, from its founding to the present day.

A story that begins over two centuries ago, from a plot of land that was once a vineyard, then became a club for Bavarian soldiers, a site for the construction of the largest museum of the ancient world, a place for the desperate hiding of antiquities during wartime, a symbol of National Resistance during the Occupation, a witness to the Polytechnic Uprising, and a treasure trove of endless exhibitions. A small spot in the “heart” of Athens that has witnessed the birth and struggles of an entire country.

Myths of the City from Antiquity to Today
2025-05-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Agia Marina, Agias Marinas 1, Athens, Athens, 118 51, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

A journey through the myths that built and accompanied the city through the centuries, from the haze of mythology to the beginnings of modern history. The walk, from the Hill of the Muses to Monastiraki and Asomaton Square, is a stroll through space, time, historical records, and popular beliefs. Meeting point: Courtyard of the Church of Agia Marina, near the Observatory.

Message in RGB and WHITE
2025-05-24 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-05-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Mosaico Fine Art Studio, Kesarias 18-20, Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
Mosaico Fine Art Studio (Athens) and Mobil Bóde Gallery (Budapest) co-present a mail art exhibition featuring works by Greek and Hungarian artists.

Opening: Saturday, May 24, 19:00.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 18:00–21:00 Saturday: 11:00–15:00 Closed on Sunday

Athens Cocktail Week Party
2025-05-24 19:00 - 23:00 | Rizari Park, Rizari 5, Athens, Athens, 106 76, Greece
One of the world’s biggest trends—cocktail culture—meets one of the world’s top bar scenes. Athens Cocktail Week shines a spotlight on the city’s mixology magic with a vibrant opening party and 12+ different bar stations set up in Rizari Park, a little-known green oasis in the heart of Athens.

Expect imaginative recipes, rare spirits, secret ingredients, and plenty of craft—and heart—poured into every glass, with top-notch music setting the tone.

All of the MOMus–Museum Alex Mylona in One Visit
2025-05-24 20:00 | MOMus-Museum Alex Mylona, Agion Asomaton Square 5, Athens, Athens, 105 54, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Join curator Yannis Bolis for a special guided tour of the MOMus – Museum Alex Mylona, exploring every part of the museum. Discover the story of the building, its visionary founder Alex Mylona, the museum’s collections, and the temporary exhibition A Cabinet of Curiosities—featuring works by 78 contemporary artists inspired by the unexpected, the ambiguous, the enigmatic, the fantastical and the grotesque.

Booking is required at +30 210 3215717 (Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00, Thursday: 10:00–21:00)

Reservations open on 17 May at 12:00 noon.

De Profundis Live: HANDEL Meets CORELLI
2025-05-24 20:00 - 21:00 | Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, Panepistimiou 24, Athens, Athens, 106 72, Greece
A rare chance to experience both sacred and secular instrumental music from the 18th century, performed through the works of two of the Baroque era’s most important composers: G.F. Handel (1685–1759) and A. Corelli (1653–1713). This concert explores how sacred music influenced its secular counterpart, with pieces in forms such as Trio Sonata, Concerto Grosso, overtures from oratorios, and a church organ concerto. It also highlights how the great Handel drew inspiration from the celebrated violinist Corelli.

If you’re curious about 18th-century sacred instrumental music or Baroque composition, don’t miss this exceptional evening at the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite on 24 May.

Some of the works performed will be Greek premieres.

De profundis ensemble

First Violins: Ilias Gyftonikolos, Zoi Prokopiou
Second Violins: Konstantina Balla, Chrysi Tzavla
Viola: Eleni Fourlanou
Cello: Myrto Xirouchaki Double
Bass: Giorgos Danis
Organ: Daphne Melanitou-Paraskeva

En Lefko Spring Party
2025-05-24 22:00 - 2025-05-25 05:00 | Athens Conservatoire, Vas. Georgiou Β΄ 17-19, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
The city’s most anticipated spring blowout has had a name for years: En Lefko Spring Party.

For the third year running, the En Lefko 87.7 team joins the This is Athens City Festival, stepping out of the studio and into the Ω2 space at the Athens Conservatoire for an all-night celebration. Expect bold concepts, unforgettable beats, and a party that keeps going till dawn.

Wellness Weekend with Niki Petroulaki
2025-05-25 10:00 - 20:00 | National Garden, Vas. Amalias 1, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
“Breath of Life” with Niki Petroulaki
In your greenery, I am renewed

GREEN ATHENS | National Garden – Metropolitan Green, in collaboration with established professionals in the fields of health and wellness, invites you to a two-day free wellness programme designed to refresh body and mind, within the rare and enchanting ecosystem of the National Garden of Athens.

24 & 25 May: Experience a unique journey of wellbeing and inner connection, in the heart of the city, beneath the trees.

Why take part?

Because you’ll have the chance to join a rich, holistic two-day programme completely free of charge
Because you’ll be guided by leading professionals in yoga, pilates, meditation and personal development
Because it’s a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in one of Athens’ most beautiful spots
Because you’ll feel the joy of community, movement, breath and genuine self-connection
Because your body and mind need it

What to expect:

Yoga, Pilates, Fitness and Meditation sessions
Music experiences that touch the soul
Talks and mini-seminars on self-awareness, self-improvement and wellbeing
A full programme, open to all – no restrictions, no cost

Sign up for the “In your greenery, I am renewed” wellness programme and make space within yourself for greater calm, care and vitality.

Programme

10:00 | Yoga for Menopause, Maria Chrysocheraki – Iyengar Yoga Teacher
A supportive yoga practice informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, ideal for all stages of menopause.

11:00 | Partner Workout, Andrianni Strigkou & Dimitris Gourgos – PE Trainers
A fun and effective strength workout for pairs, focusing on fitness and collaboration.

12:00 | Flow & Breathe: A Slow Yoga Journey, Anna Zorzou – Senior Teacher Trainer
A gentle outdoor yoga session to relax body and mind, suitable for all levels.

13:00 | Theta Healing – Systemic Constellation, Sofi Paschali – Mental Health Counsellor
An energy-based session focused on emotional awareness and heart–mind alignment.

14:00-16:00 Pranic Healing

The Pranic Healing Greece team will be with us on May 24th & 25th

Offering free healing sessions for everyone

Up to 30 people per hour

Experience the effectiveness of this energy method that does not involve physical contact but transforms energy balances, bringing health and an improved quality of life.

These techniques can help with physical and psychological conditions, such as: panic attacks, depression, addictions, anxiety, migraines, muscle pain, allergies… and many more.
Pranic Healing brings balance to the energy field by cleansing and energizing the affected area. There is no physical contact with the patient, and the results are immediate — even from the first session! There are no side effects, and specific protocols are applied for each case.

16:00 | Quantum Leap: Activate Wealth, Wellness & Limitless Success Now, Loukia Papa – Quantum Wealth Strategist
A powerful talk on quantum activation and aligning with abundance in the here and now.

17:00 | Full-Body Circuit (Bodyweight Training), Stavros Bamakos – PE Instructor
A high-intensity bodyweight circuit to enhance strength, stamina and overall fitness.

18:00 | The Power of Presence: Living in the Now, Maria Anastasiadou – Spiritual Life Coach
A talk on mindful living and the art of staying grounded in the present moment.

19:00 | Yoga & Live Music, Niki Petroulaki – Senior Yoga Instructor, Aspasia Stavrou – Musician
A yoga session accompanied by live music, designed to foster deep presence and connection.

Bring your own mat!

From the Great to Modern Greece - Part B: The Refugees
2025-05-25 10:30 - 11:30 | National Historical Museum, Stadiou 13, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

A guided tour of the second part of the exhibition “From Great Greece to Modern Greece”, which traces the completion of the country’s formation in terms of borders and population. The first part, presented in 2022, describes the events that led to the stabilization of borders after the end of World War I, focusing on the Asia Minor Campaign and the collective trauma of the destruction of Smyrna. The second part, subtitled “The Refugees”, focuses on the demographic shaping of Greece through population movements over the course of a century. The exhibition is made possible by the exclusive sponsorship of Piraeus Bank.

This event is aimed at adults.

Propaganda in Art and Daily Life
2025-05-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens, Athens, 117 42, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

This walk sets off from the Acropolis Museum and heads towards the hills west of the Sacred Rock, tracing how art—and the daily practices of prominent figures in classical Athens—may have served as instruments of state ideology or propaganda. Together, we’ll explore where and how public life, politics and cultural expression were intertwined in the city that shaped democratic ideals.

In the Footsteps of the Philhellenes
2025-05-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Russian Church, Philellinon, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
A Walk Through Philhellenism: Plaka, Parliament & Hidden Histories A guided walking tour through Plaka and central Athens, tracing cultural and historical landmarks tied to the birth of modern Greece and the international Philhellenic movement. Key stops include the Anglican Church on Philhellinon Street, where the remains of naval officer and Philhellene Frank Abney Hastings are interred; the former home of Lord Church; the original University of Otto; the residence of historian George Finlay; the Hill School; the Monument of Lysicrates; and the busts of Jean-Gabriel Eynard and Ioannis Kapodistrias inside the National Garden. The tour also includes a visit and private guided tour of the Hellenic Parliament, with special access to the Philhellenism exhibitions, led by Dr Theodoros Koutsogiannis, curator of the Parliament’s Art Collection.

Athens Music Instruments Show
2025-05-25 11:00 - 20:00 | Serafeio, Echelidon 19 & Pireos 144, Athens, Athens, 118 54, Greece
The Athens Music Instruments Show is the first nationwide gathering dedicated to the world of musical instrument making in Greece—spanning from education to craftsmanship, and from tools to accessories. The event celebrates traditional Greek luthiery, a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. Its mission is to connect the public with instrument makers, strengthen the community of artisans, and identify their needs—offering a space for dialogue, visibility, and the promotion of their craft.

Tickets: Presale €7 per person / per day €11 two-day pass

On-site (during event days & hours) €8 per person / per day €13 two-day pass Free entry for children under 12 and people with disabilities

Educational Program: The Power of the Poster
2025-05-25 11:30 - 13:00 | National Historical Museum, Stadiou 13, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

The educational program includes a brief tour of the exhibition “Cyprus ’74 – Never Forget”. It focuses on the sources of inspiration for the posters displayed in the exhibition and the process of creating them. As part of the program, children will have the opportunity to create their own poster using the collage technique.

This activity is aimed at children aged 6-12.

Theatres of Memory - Theatres of PowerQ: A Different Walk in the Centre of Athens
2025-05-25 11:30 - 14:00 | Syntagma Square, Syntagma Square, Athens, Athens, 105 63, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Like any capital city, Athens, especially its centre, is home to numerous monuments, constructed over time under various regimes such as monarchy and democracy, revolutionary movements, and institutions like the church. This walk aims to familiarize us with the different monuments and forms of power that shaped Greece, from the 19th to the 20th century.

The walk will be led by Eleni Kouki, historian at Hellenic Open University and Jewish Museum.

Guided Tour of the War Museum for Kids
2025-05-25 12:00 - 13:00 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

A tour through Greece’s military history and cultural heritage, guided by the permanent exhibitions of the War Museum. Young visitors aged 12, accompanied by an adult, will have the chance to discover rare artefacts, historical records and stories from the past that bring history to life.

The City of the Future: From the Acropolis to Dubai and Back Again
2025-05-25 12:00 - 13:30 | Museum of the Ancient Greek Technology “Kostas Kotsanas”, Pindarou 6, Athens, Athens, 106 71, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.
What did ancient Greek cities look like? And could they have had technologies that echo what we use today?
This interactive journey retraces the steps of Heron and Archimedes, uncovering how ancient Greeks pioneered “green” technologies that served their society and improved urban life. From clever mechanics to sustainable systems, it’s a story of timeless innovation.
Starting at the Acropolis and passing through Alexandria, London, Singapore and Dubai, we’ll explore how today’s “city of the future” may have roots in ancient inventions.

Guided Tour of the Maria Callas Museum
2025-05-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Maria Callas Museum, Mitropoleos 44, Athens, Athens, 105 63, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

The Maria Callas Museum, as part of the 2025 This is Athens City Festival, invites you on an exciting journey through the life and art of the opera’s greatest diva! Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the most iconic moments of Maria Callas, explore unknown aspects of her journey, and delve into her personality and artistic legacy. With a narrative that brings her story to life, each guided tour highlights details beyond the exhibition texts, creating a unique experience tailored to the audience.

Guided Tour of the War Museum for Adults
2025-05-25 14:00 - 15:00 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
This activity is only available in Greek.

Explore Greece’s military history and cultural heritage through a guided tour of the War Museum’s permanent exhibitions. Visitors will encounter rare artefacts, historical documents and personal stories that shed light on key moments from the country’s past.

This activity is designed for adults.

CONQUISTADORS
2025-05-26 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-27 10:00 - 18:00 | Macart’s Cultural Space, Lenorman 244, Athens, Athens, 104 43, Greece
Nikos Kyriakopoulos and his conquistadors disembark on Lenorman Street.

Dragons and wild beasts, locals and conquistadors—and even Death himself—battle deep in untrodden jungles.

The thirty-six works in this exhibition are not intended to serve History or the historical genre of painting. Instead, the artist draws his material from the mythos surrounding the Age of Discovery, crafting images that move beyond naturalism, both in form and content. Created using monotype, a technique dating back to the 16th century, the works gain added resonance when paired with the fantastical stories they depict. The adventures of the characters serve as a point of departure—not only for the adventures of line and colour, but also for reflection on themes such as desire, fear, conflict and illusion.

Opening: Thursday 8 May 2025, 19:30–23:00

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00–18:00 Saturday: 11:00–15:00 Closed on Sunday

Vassilis Papageorgiou - Painting and Sculpture: Lignea Creatura Stans
2025-05-26 11:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-27 11:30 - 20:30 | Gallery Ersi, Kleomenous 4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
The worlds of plants, animals and humans—along with legend, myth, imagination and dream—form the basis of Vassilis Papageorgiou’s new artistic exploration. His paradoxical heroes and hand-crafted wooden creatures inhabit both two- and three-dimensional space in a state of perpetual whirling. Through an aesthetic lens, Papageorgiou reflects on the consequences of humanity’s destructive impact on the natural world. From this meditation, he generates new values—drawn from the cultural references of nature and tradition—that define the conditions for coexistence.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30–14:30 & 17:30–20:30 Saturday: 11:30–15:00

TAKIMI II – Reconnections Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition
2025-05-26 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-27 12:00 - 20:00 | Pottery Museum, Melidoni 4-6, Athens, Athens, 105 53, Greece
The Museum of Modern Greek Ceramics, in collaboration with the French Institute of Greece, presents the exhibition TAKIMI II – Reconnections, featuring works by emerging ceramic artists Olga Vlassi and Auréline Caltagirone. The exhibition showcases pieces created during their 2024 artist residency at the French Lodging in Rhodes, organised by the French Institute of Greece. Their creations engage in a dialogue with the museum’s permanent collections, reflecting the myths and ceramic heritage of Rhodes through a contemporary lens. Through their work, the artists share impressions and personal narratives inspired by their time on the island—reconnecting modern expression with tradition and the historical context that shaped it.

Curated by: Thalassini Bratsou

Opening: Sunday 18 May 2025, 20:30

Opening hours: Monday: 12:00–15:00 Tuesday–Thursday: 12:00–20:00 Friday: 12:00–15:00 Saturday: 11:00–14:00

Greek Cinema Nights
2025-05-26 20:00 - 23:00 | Eleftherias Park, Eleftherias Park, Athens, Athens, 115 21, Greece
The city’s summer cinema pops up at Eleftherias Park. Under the stars, on the grass, a colourful crowd gathers for four nights of open-air screenings—ready to be transported by the magic of the big screen and the very best of contemporary Greek cinema.

May 26: Buzzheart
May 27: The Summer with Carmen
June 1: Stella
June 1: Mythopathy

Hispanic Film Festival at Aello
2025-05-26 20:00 - 23:30 | Open Air Cinema “Aello”, Patission 140, Athens, Athens, 112 57, Greece
The best of Spanish-language cinema takes over Athens for an entire week in May. Visionary directors, acclaimed actors and celebrated screenwriters bring a breath of Spain, Chile, Argentina, Cuba and other beloved Spanish-speaking countries to the big screen.

Hispanic Film Festival at Ellinis
2025-05-26 20:00 - 23:30 | Open Air Cinema “Ellinis”, Leof. Kifissias 29, Athens, Athens, 115 23, Greece
A full week in May is dedicated to the highlights of Spanish-language cinema. Groundbreaking directors, renowned actors and celebrated screenwriters bring to Athens the spirit of Spain, Chile, Argentina, Cuba and other beloved Spanish-speaking countries—through stories that captivate, move and inspire.

Giorgos Gyzis: Clippings: Athens
2025-05-27 11:00 - 20:30 | Ikastikos Kyklos, Akadimias 6, Athens, Athens, 106 71, Greece
Clippings: Athens presents the third series of paintings inspired by clippings sourced from old newspapers. Photographs, drawings, and articles about Athens emerge from the archives, transformed into visual artworks that evoke emotion. The works on display offer a brief journey through the evolving form of Athens, beginning with the distinctive sketches by 19th-century British travellers in Attica and culminating in the height of modernism during the 1950s and 60s.

Exhibition Opening: Saturday 10 May 2025, 12:00–17:00 Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00–14:30 / 17:30–20:30

Wednesday, Saturday: 11:00–16:00

Closed Sunday and Monday

How to Fit Inside the City
2025-05-27 12:00 - 20:00 | Athens Gallery7, Solonos 20, Athens, Athens, 106 73, Greece
The work of Haris Baskozos is compelling not only for its final forms but also for the sources of inspiration behind them. The artist studied architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and fine arts at the Athens School of Fine Arts. When drawing from his background in architecture, his work leans toward a rectilinear style that echoes urban planning and evokes a kind of “emotional Mondrian.” In these compositions, consciousness seems to take the lead. In contrast, when his fine arts training prevails, his work shifts towards a freer, more instinctive expression, dominated by human-like forms and influenced by art brut, where the unconscious plays the central role. In both cases, the final result is not a strict monologue of either approach, but rather a dialogue—one side mostly leading, the other echoing through. In this way, Baskozos offers a fascinating visual argument: the idea of collectivity (the city) tends to be shaped through a more conscious process, while reflections on individuality (the human being) emerge through the unconscious.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00–20:00 Wednesday & Saturday: 12:00–16:00
