This is Athens City Festival

Presentation of the Philhellenes’ Monument on Vasilissis Sofias Av. and Wreath-Laying Ceremony
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Athens) | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
On Saturday 9 May, we honour the memory and contribution of the Philhellenes. The event includes a presentation of the Philhellenes’ Monument on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and the official wreath-laying ceremony. The meeting point is at 11:00 a.m. in the courtyard of the War Museum (corner of Vasilissis Sofias Ave. and Rizari Street), in a modest ceremony highlighting the enduring bonds of friendship and the support of foreign fighters for Greece.

Free admission with advance booking required. To register, please send your full name, affiliation, mobile contact number, and email to info@phmus.org.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Yoga Sessions
2026-05-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Rizari Park, Rizari 5, Athens, Athens, 106 76, Greece
Rizari Park is transforming into the quietest, yet most radiant, spot in the city. Think of it as a lush green sanctuary right in the heart of Athens, where time seems to slow down and the city’s daily hum just fades away behind the trees.

As part of the This is Athens City Festival, our Yoga Sessions are back, inviting you to roll out your mat on the grass and get in sync with your body and breath. Practising under the shade of the trees with the open sky above is a total game-changer, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and the city in a whole new way.

We’ve got some fantastic instructors on hand to guide everyone from total beginners to seasoned yogis through a harmonious flow focused on balance, focus, and finding that inner alignment. Every inhale brings a fresh burst of energy, and every exhale lets go of the day’s tension.

It’s that lovely moment when Athens reveals its serene side—a gentle reminder that wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s a rhythm we can all find together.

This activity is only available in Greek.

A Guided Tour in the World of Niki de Saint Phalle
2026-05-09 12:00 - 13:00 | MOMus-Museum Alex Mylona, Agion Asomaton Square 5, Athens, Athens, 105 54, Greece
The This is Athens City Festival 2026 invites you to dive into the revolutionary world of one of the 20th century’s most fearless icons. In these two specially curated guided tours of the exhibition “From Shooting to Freedom,” you’ll discover how Niki de Saint Phalle transformed pain and rage into a lasting celebration of colour and rebirth. This is the first time her work has been presented on this scale in Greece, tracing her journey from the radical Tirs (shooting performances) to her exuberant, world-famous Nanas.

Through a vibrant collection of paintings, collages, and sculptures, the exhibition unfolds like a child’s game, yet retains the raw power of a woman who challenged every boundary of art and society. Catch these rebellious masterpieces tucked into the intimate spaces of the MOMus-Alex Mylonas Museum, across from the Parthenon.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Guided Tour: AFTER - Giorgos Tserionis & Performance: Homo Urbanus Audit
2026-05-09 12:00 - 13:30 | The City of Athens Gallery, Municipal Gallery of Athens, Athens, Athens, 104 36, Greece
The Municipal Gallery of Athens presents a unique event centred around the exhibition “AFTER.”

The event begins with an exclusive walkthrough led by artist Giorgos Tserionis and curator Matina Tsigkakou, who will explore the life cycle of homo urbanus, shedding light on the hidden aspects of the urban narrative that define the exhibition. The experience culminates with the provocative performance “Homo urbanus audit” by Alex Louloudis. The internationally acclaimed drummer and composer activates Tserionis’ installation, transforming it into a living sonic field. Using sounds inspired by the urban landscape, Louloudis builds and deconstructs auditory structures, challenging us to become “active listeners” and reflect on our relationship with the sonic stimuli and memories that saturate daily life in the modern city.

This activity is only available in Greek.

St Dionysius the Areopagite, The Saint of Athens: Guided Tours of the dedicated Churches I
2026-05-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Holy Church of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, 34 Skoufa, Athens, 106 72, Greece
The This is Athens City Festival invites you to step inside one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks for a tour that’s as much about art history as it is about faith. Guided by art historian Despina Paraskeva, we’re exploring Agios Dionysios on Skoufa Street, often called the “Saint of Athens”, to see what happens when the biggest names in modern Greek art collaborate on one project.

One of the grandest churches in central Athens, this landmark represents a true artistic collaboration. Your journey begins with the architectural vision of Anastasios Orlandos, before moving to the beautiful frescoes by Spyros Vassiliou. It comes with close-ups at the intricate woodcarvings of Theofanis Nomikos and the stunning mosaics born from a rare collaboration between Fotis Kontoglou and Stefanos Xenopoulos. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how ancient tradition and modern artistic flair meet in the heart of Kolonaki.

To make the experience truly immersive, the tour is set to the sound of Byzantine chanting, creating an atmosphere of total tranquility and mystique. Don’t miss this dedicated guided tour of the Catholic Cathedral, a moment that creates an artistic dialogue between two faiths and two distinct expressions of modern Greek creativity, right in the heart of the urban fabric.Meeting Point: Entrance of the Holy Church.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Athina Latina: Latin American Festival in Athens
2026-05-09 12:00 - 23:00 | Klafthmonos Square, Klaftmonos Square, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
Athina Latina is back as a massive, one-day cultural blowout, where Latin America and the Caribbean “flood” the heart of the capital with music, flavours, and inexhaustible energy. As a standout highlight of the This is Athens City Festival, Klafthmonos Square is set to be transformed into a colourful patchwork of cultures.

Embassies, artists, and local expat communities come together to share their heritage with the city. Expect an open-air festival of pure joy with an artistic line-up designed to sweep every passerby off their feet.

The experience hits another level with authentic Latin American delicacies, street food, and traditional products, all in an inclusive environment perfect for all ages. Athina Latina is effectively bringing summer to Athens a few weeks early, proving that big vibes and open hearts know no borders.

World of Beer Festival 2026
2026-05-09 12:00 - 23:30, 2026-05-10 12:00 - 23:30 | Technopolis City of Athens, Pireos 100, Athens, Athens, 118 54, Greece
The Athens City Festival 2026 meets the World of Beer Festival for a unique three-day event dedicated to those who love great beer, food, and music. From 8 to 10 May, more than 300 beer brands from Greece and abroad will gather at Technopolis: from classic lagers and weiss to original craft beers infused with mastic or lavender.

At the Beer Talks & Tastings, experts will reveal the secrets of the perfect pairing while the experience reaches new heights with delicious street food and an explosive line-up of 9 different concerts: from the rock of Magic de Spell and Dionysis Tsaknis to the traditional Ikarian feasts of Nikos Fakaros.

Laughter takes centre stage with top stand-up shows from Vangelis Charisopoulos, Dimitra Nikitea, and other beloved comedians. With a games area, the Greek Beer Awards 2026, and an atmosphere full of energy, the World of Beer becomes the city’s ultimate meeting point.

Book your tickets now and get ready for a three-day event that has it all—always enjoying responsibly!

Guided tour of the War Museum for Kids
2026-05-09 12:30 - 13:30 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
As part of the This is Athens City Festival, the War Museum opens its collections and invites us on a journey through Greece’s military history and cultural heritage. Through specially designed thematic tours, visitors will have the opportunity to discover iconic exhibits and lesser-known narratives that shed light on the Greek past.

The activity is intended for children aged 8 and above, accompanied by one adult.

This activity is only available in Greek.

Synaesthesia: When Sound Meets Colour
2026-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | The City of Athens Gallery, Municipal Gallery of Athens, Athens, Athens, 104 36, Greece
The concept of “Synaesthesia” takes shape through a unique concert that dissolves the boundaries between the arts. Set in a space surrounded by paintings, sound and colour become one, offering visitors a rare, hour-long multi-sensory experience.

The distinct combination of the bassoon and the harp creates a tonal spectrum full of contrasts: from the deep, expressive voice of the bassoon to the ethereal and transparent texture of the harp. The audience will have the chance to enjoy works by great composers such as Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Piazzolla, and Marcussen, in a musical dialogue that transforms the acoustic experience into a visual reality.

This artistic “ritual” is guided by two distinguished soloists: Vasilis Priovolos is a doctor of musical performance and a leading bassoonist with an extensive academic and orchestral career (ERT, Philharmonia, University of Athens). Lilia Esipova is an award-winning harpist originally from Moscow, with years in the most important orchestras in Greece and abroad (ERT National Symphony Orchestra, Camerata).

Reservations open one week before the event at 12:00 pm.

Guided Tours of the Cavafy Archive
2026-05-09 13:30 - 17:30 | Cavafy Archive, 16B Frynichou, Plaka, 105 58, Greece
This year, the This is Athens City Festival marks its fifth anniversary with a truly special collaboration. We’ve teamed up with the Onassis Foundation to invite you on a deeply personal journey through the life of one of the world’s most influential poets. For the first time as part of the festival, we’re stepping inside a stunning 1910 listed building on Phrynichou Street. Since late 2023, this spot in the heart of Plaka has become the new home of the Cavafy Archive, and now, its doors are opening for a series of exclusive guided tours.

It’s a rare chance to get up close and personal with the world of C.P. Cavafy by wandering through five specially curated rooms that recreate the atmosphere of his legendary home in Alexandria. Among the treasures, you will find personal relics such as original furniture, mementos, and even the poet’s death mask, alongside a remarkable collection of 966 surviving volumes in the library. The experience also showcases inspired art, with works ranging from Theodore Ralli and Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika to contemporary artists moved by his poetry. Perhaps most poignantly, the tour reveals the universe of Cavafy’s Athens through personal diaries and glowing letters from literary greats like Angelos Sikelianos, revealing the poet’s deep, timeless connection to this city.

To celebrate this new partnership, the Onassis Foundation is offering 20 free guided tours throughout the month for festival-goers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to dive deep into history, memory, and world-class art.

This activity is only available in Greek.

First Cemetery of Athens: An Open-Air Sculpture Gallery II
2026-05-09 17:00 - 19:00 | First Cemetery of Athens, Logginou 3, Athens, Athens, 116 36, Greece
While Halepas’s “Sleeping Maiden” is undoubtedly the most iconic sculpture in Athens’ First Cemetery, the beauty of this open-air museum goes far beyond its famous headline acts.

As part of the This is Athens City Festival 2026, archaeologist and guide Michalis Giohalas invites us to step off the main path. We’ll be heading up the winding, uphill trails to discover a lesser-known but equally breathtaking side of Modern Greek sculpture. Far from the usual tourist spots, you’ll encounter imposing mausoleums and monuments where a grand passion for legacy meets a crushing, powerful silence.

In this unique space, the mortal world seems to hold a quiet conversation with the immortal. This tour shines a light on hidden masterpieces and the moving human stories behind them, offering a deeply personal look at the artistic and historical heritage of Athens.

Meeting Point: Main Entrance of the First Cemetery of Athens (at the end of Anapafseos Street).

This activity is only available in Greek.

Gerasimos Galiatsatos: Phi of Light
2026-05-09 18:00 - 22:00 | Mosaico Fine Art Studio, Kesarias 18-20, Athens, Athens, 115 27, Greece
What happens when mathematical perfection meets inner revelation? In “Phi of Light”, an exhibition by Gerasimos Galiatsatos curated by mosaico, art transcends simple representation. It becomes, as the psychologist and author Rollo May might suggest, a “revelation of new forms of being. The artist brings viewers face-to-face with two fundamental forces:

The Golden Ratio: Named in honour of Phidias, the Golden Ratio is the mathematical code of absolute harmony in nature and architecture. For Galiatsatos, phi (φ) is not merely a rule of matter, but the aesthetic imprint of psychological balance.
The Light: The force that reveals and purifies. Drawing inspiration from Jungian thought, the artist treats light as the medium through which “darkness becomes conscious.”

Each work in the collection acts as a luminous mediator, inviting the viewer to discover an internal order within the chaos. This exhibition functions as a ritual, inviting us to look beyond the obvious and seek our own facet of reality through brilliance and geometry.

Exhibition duration: 9–15 May

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 18:00–21:00; Saturday: 12:30–15:00. Closed on Sunday.

Yucatan pres. Sensory
2026-05-09 18:00 - 23:00 | Zappeion Megaron, Zappeion Hall, Athens, Athens, 105 57, Greece
Yucatan meets Sensory Production for an extraordinary night on the Jacaranda path at Zappeion, one of spring’s most cinematic locations in Athens. Beneath the canopy of blooming purple trees, these two creative powerhouses are setting up an open-air club that blends cutting-edge electronic sounds with a meticulously crafted aesthetic.

The setting, the season, and the soundtrack converge to create an unforgettable backdrop, an evening poised on the edge of fashion, art, and after-hours beats, in what is easily the city’s most spirited springtime clandestine link-up.

For one night, the Zappeion gardens will be transformed into a stage of rhythm and style, showcasing the most contemporary, outward-looking face of Athens. It’s a springtime outing that perfectly pairs natural beauty with urban finesse and high-energy beats.

Queer Movie Nights 2026
2026-05-09 18:00 - 23:30, 2026-05-10 18:00 - 23:30 | Trianon Cinema, Kodrigktonos 21, Athens, Athens, 104 34, Greece
Queer Movie Nights are bringing an open, vibrant, and inclusive celebration of LGBTQI+ cinema right to the heart of Athens. Through a curated selection of queer feature films, shorts, documentaries, and homegrown Greek productions, this event creates a vital meeting point where queer stories find visibility, a voice, and an audience. This initiative has already carved out a permanent spot on the city’s cultural map as a platform for expression, coexistence, and acceptance.

Beyond the silver screen, Queer Movie Nights act as a safe space for dialogue and connection where every viewer can truly be themselves, share experiences, and see the world through diverse, colourful perspectives. It’s a celebration of diversity, cinematic creativity, and the unique power of the big screen to bring people closer together.

Guided tour of the War Museum for Adults
2026-05-09 20:00 - 21:00 | War Museum, Rizari 2-4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
As part of the This is Athens City Festival, the War Museum opens its collections and invites us on a journey through Greece’s military history and cultural heritage. Through specially designed thematic tours, visitors will have the opportunity to discover iconic exhibits and lesser-known narratives that shed light on the Greek past.

The activity is intended for adults and for families with children aged 12 and above.

This activity is only available in Greek.

A Remembrance Route for Τhose Who Didn't Make It - 1940-1944
2026-05-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Third Cemetery of Athens, Thivon & Kotyoron, Athens, Athens, 184 54, Greece
This Remembrance Route is a moving tribute to the thousands of anonymous victims of the Great Famine during the Nazi Occupation of Athens, as well as those who fell before the firing squads. This walk unfolds the harrowing yet deeply human stories of our city and its people who didn’t make it through one of the dramatic chapters of our city’s history. Simultaneously, the Third Cemetery of Athens is reintroduced to the public as a vital historical landmark, a sacred space of memory for those who never lived to see our country free.

Leading this evocative journey is Zetta Antonopoulou, Historian-Archaeologist and Head of the Cultural Heritage Department of the City of Athens.

Meeting Point: Entrance of the Third Cemetery

This activity is only available in Greek.

“In the Footsteps of the Philhellenes” – Walking Tours with Guided Commentary in the Heart of Athens
2026-05-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Rallou Manous Square, Rallous Manou Square, Athens, 105 57, Greece
Sundays 10 and 17 May are dedicated to those who loved Greece and sacrificed themselves for its freedom. The activity “In the Footsteps of the Philhellenes” offers a live guided tour through the heart of Athens, connecting emblematic landmarks with the figures who shaped the Greek War of Independence. Participants will follow a rich itinerary that includes:

The Russian Church and the Anglican Church (where the remains of Frank Abney Hastings are kept).
Historic Plaka, the Church Residence, the Finley Residence, and the Hill School.
Stops at the statue of Lord Byron, the bust of Jean-Gabriel Eynard, and the Monument of Lysicrates.
References to the sieges of the Acropolis.

Meeting point: Rallou Manou Square, at the Russian Church of Athens (Syntagma)

This activity is only available in Greek.

From Dourgouti to Neos Kosmos: Routes through the History of the Settlement
2026-05-10 11:00 - 13:30 | Syngrou Ave & George Horton, Syngrou Ave & George Horton, Athens, Greece
Historians Eleni Kyramarghiou and Nikolina Myofa invite us on a powerful historical walk in the heart of Neos Kosmos. The tour traces a century of life in Dourgouti, a neighbourhood that emerged from the shanties of Armenian and Asia Minor refugees of 1922 and evolved into a mosaic of successive waves of refugees and migrants.

Through selected points of interest, we follow the transformation of the area from an informal settlement into organised state-built housing complexes, bringing to light memories and stories that have shaped its identity. This is a route that goes beyond documenting architectural change, highlighting instead the resilience, cohesion, and social history of one of Athens’ most emblematic refugee neighbourhoods.

Meeting point: Gefyra bus stop – uphill on Syngrou Avenue (service road of Syngrou Ave & George Horton Street)

This activity is only available in Greek.

Piano City Athens: Talented Children with Magical Little Hands
2026-05-10 11:00 - 13:30 | Playground Agios Nikolaos Pefkakia (Neapoli, Exarchia), Dafnomili 1A, Athens, 106 80, Greece
As part of the This is Athens City Festival and with the support of the Goethe-Institut, the Agios Nikolaos Playground in Neapoli Exarchia fills with melodies in a heartfelt celebration dedicated to Mother’s Day. Under the artistic direction of pianist and educator Maria Papadatos, talented young soloists present a demanding repertoire ranging from Bach and Mozart to Chopin and Debussy, dedicating every note to their mothers.
From 11:00 to 13:30, audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by young virtuosos—many of whom have already received distinctions in international competitions—in an open musical event celebrating the power of music education and the magic of a new generation of creators.
Programme
11:00–12:30(15-minute intermission)
12:45–13:30
Angeliki Kouskouli – for her mother MariaSonatina op. 157 no. 4 — Fritz Spindler
Chara Karageorgou – for her mother PavlinaSplashing in the Brook — William GillockJungle Sunset Glowing — John George
Ioanna Arbi – for her mother MariaSonatina op. 55 no. 3 — Friedrich KuhlauSostenuto Valse — Frédéric Chopin
Mario Attanazio – for his mother SissyMoonlight Mood — William GillockMinute Waltz op. 64 no. 1 — Frédéric Chopin
Zoe Stathori – for her mother PennyLes Sauvages — Jean-Philippe RameauGolliwogg’s Cake Walk — Claude Debussy
Aelia Megapanou – for her mother ThomaidaPolonaise in B-flat major, op. posth. — Frédéric Chopin
Maria Dalkidou – for her mother DespoinaSonata K.330 no. 10 (1st mov. Allegro Moderato) — Wolfgang Amadeus MozartLes Cyclopes — Jean-Philippe Rameau
Anastasia Dalkidou – for her mother DespoinaL’Égyptienne — Jean-Philippe RameauSonata op. 13 no. 8 “Pathétique” (3rd mov.) — Ludwig van Beethoven
Mina Ambelaki – for her mother AphroditeSonata op. 31 no. 2 (1st mov.) — Ludwig van BeethovenArabesque no. 1 — Claude Debussy
Elpida Sourliga – for her mother MariannaÉtude op. 10 no. 12 “Revolutionary” — Frédéric Chopin
Stavros Kontogeorgos – for his mother MargaritaSonata op. 13 no. 8, 3rd mov. — Ludwig van BeethovenPrelude op. 34 no. 10 — Dmitri Shostakovich
Ilias Mathioudakis – for his mother MarinaPrelude in F minor — Johann Sebastian BachÉtude no. 1 in F minor from “Trois Nouvelles Études” — Frédéric Chopin
Dalkidou Duo – for their mother DespoinaRomance — Sergei RachmaninoffKastanka (Circus Polka) — Joseph TamarinChopsticks Theme and Variations op. 6 — Randal Compton

From Tbilisi to Athens
2026-05-10 11:30 - 16:30 | Klafthmonos Square, Klaftmonos Square, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
We join forces with the Embassy of Georgia to host a unique celebration in the heart of the capital, inviting you on a journey through a land defined by music, art, and deep-rooted tradition. From the haunting, ethereal layers of polyphonic singing to the graceful, high-energy movements of traditional dance, every moment is designed to bring us closer to the authentic spirit of the Caucasus.
You’ll have the chance to get stuck into the distinct flavours and famous wines of Georgia through a curated tasting. You will gaze at an exhibition of contemporary Georgian painters that showcases the incredible vibrancy and creativity of the country’s modern art scene.

With workshops and performances tailored for all ages, this is a brilliant shout for families and culture-seekers alike. It’s an open invitation to feel the warmth, hospitality, and creative energy of the Georgian community as they transform a central neighbourhood square into a crossroads of cultures.

Salaminos Open Flea Market
2026-05-10 12:00 - 23:00 | Salaminos Street, Salaminos Street, Metaxourgio, 104 35, Greece
Salaminos pedestrian street is transformed into a vibrant, open-air market that pulses with talent and creativity. This is not just a flea market, but a meeting point for people with passion and authentic stories that help shape the identity of the neighbourhood.
Come and discover a small paradise for those who love:

Flavours & Wine: Good food and carefully selected natural wines.
Unique Finds: Vinyl records full of hidden treasures, characterful second-hand clothing, and handmade ceramics.
Art & Connection: Works of art and personal creations waiting to be discovered.

An opportunity to step into the street, talk, taste and listen—becoming part of an honest experience that highlights the most hopeful side of the city.

Athens All Star Party 2026
2026-05-10 16:00 - 23:00 | Lycabettus Theatre Parking Lot, Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Athens, 114 71, Greece
There is nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the Parthenon while the bass is still dropping and the city’s heart starts beating a little faster. On the legendary “city balcony,” suspended between the starlight and the city lights below, the Lycabettus Hill parking lot is transforming once again into the country’s most iconic open-air dancefloor.

This is Athens City Festival invites the city’s top promoters who join joining forces to create a night of pure, unadulterated ecstasy. Imagine thousands of people gathering at the summit for a marathon of electronic beats and an electric atmosphere that you can feel from miles away.

With a panoramic view that literally takes your breath away, this is where high-octane club culture meets the vastness of the Attic sky. It has officially reached must-attend status for May, confirming Athens as the nightlife capital of the Mediterranean.

A Three-Star Architectural Crown: The Neoclassical Trilogy of Athens
2026-05-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Athens Trilogy, Panepistimiou 39, Athens, Athens, 105 64, Greece
The University, the Academy, and the National Library form the absolute crown jewels of our city’s architecture, the ultimate Trilogy that defined the look of modern Athens.

But there’s way more to these marble marvels than just a good photo op. As part of this year’s This is Athens City Festival, we are hitting the pavement with archaeologist and top-tier guide Michalis Giohalas. Michalis won’t just point at statues; he’s here to spill the secrets, symbols, and big ideas hidden behind those famous facades. You’ll discover how 19th-century architects tried to build a “bridge” between the glory of Ancient Greece and the newly formed Greek state. Think of it as a deep dive into Athens’ DNA, explaining how statues, towering columns, and tiny decorative details all played a part in a young nation’s vision.

It’s history, but with a pulse. Whether you’re a fresh arrival to the city or a long-term expat who walks past these buildings every day, this tour will make you see the centre of Athens in a completely new light.

Meeting Point: The Propylaea of the University of Athens (Right outside “Panepistimio” Metro station, University exit).

This activity is only available in Greek.

Fairytales with Ermioni Ntetsika
2026-05-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Prompona Park, Eratonos 2, Athens, Athens, 111 43, Greece
Folk tales, born from the oral traditions of peoples, travel across the centuries to remind us of the importance of connection. In this performance, stories follow one another accompanied by music, songs and riddles. Children are not mere spectators; they actively participate through experiential, rhythmic games, engaging body and emotion in the “here and now”.
In a playful way, the stories speak to us about life’s great truths and are suitable for ages from 3 to… 103! How will the giant radish be pulled from the earth? Will the animals escape the wolf? Can a little girl defeat a lion, or a rooster reclaim its lucky coin? Join us to discover how heroes always find their way through the most unlikely adventures!
Music: Konstantina Angelopoulou
This activity is only available in Greek.

The Embassy of Bulgaria Presents the Quintet “Seasons”
2026-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | National Historical Museum, Stadiou 13, Athens, Athens, 105 61, Greece
The Embassy of Bulgaria in Athens and the This is Athens City Festival present the “Seasons” Quintet – one of the most prominent ensembles on the contemporary Bulgarian music scene. Founded in 1996, the group comprises distinguished musicians with international careers and creates an elegant bridge between the mandolin tradition and the high standards of European chamber music. Having released four albums and won awards at prestigious international competitions, the ensemble has performed across Europe, the USA and Asia. They impress audiences with their stylistically rich repertoire, which ranges from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, including original music by the Bulgarian
composer Rossen Balkanski.

In their performances, the musicians combine Bulgarian musical traditions with the latest European trends. Don’t miss this concert, where Evdokia Bobotsova (mandolin), Rossen Idealov (clarinet), Milen Djurov and Rossen Balkanski (guitars) and Ivo Alexandrov (cello) will take you on an unforgettable musical journey!

Athens: Urban Frictions
2026-05-11 10:00 - 18:00 | Macart’s Cultural Space, Lenorman 244, Athens, Athens, 104 43, Greece
The Macart Cultural Space, in collaboration with iFocus Gallery, presents “Athens: Urban Frictions”, a collective photographic exploration of the Greek capital. Thirty contemporary Greek and international photographers attempt to capture the city’s identity through diverse and often conflicting lenses, highlighting its inherent contradictions, tensions, and ongoing transformations.

In this exhibition, Athens is not approached as a singular, static image, but as a field of constant negotiation between memory, lived experience, and change. Black-and-white and colour works, analogue shots, and contemporary digital perspectives weave a narrative where the act of wandering becomes a way of “reading” the city. The show explores Athens in the space between noise and silence, the visible and the suggestive, and the weight of history versus a constantly shifting present. It is an invitation to view the capital not as a mere backdrop, but as a living, complex entity.

Exhibition duration: 6 May – 6 June

Opening: 6 May at 19:00.

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00–18:00; Saturday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Sunday.

Constantine Xenakis – Dimitris Chiotopoulos: Writing and Trace Two Journeys into the Labyrinth
2026-05-11 11:30 - 20:30 | Gallery Ersi, Kleomenous 4, Athens, Athens, 106 75, Greece
Ersi Gallery hosts a deep and unexpectedly poetic dialogue between two masters of the symbolic: Constantine Xenakis and Dimitris Chiotopoulos.

Writing and Trace explores the moment when a mark, a symbol, or a simple gesture transcends its everyday use to become a language of its own. Dense with meaning and open to endless interpretation. The internationally acclaimed Xenakis employs codes, hieroglyphs, and signals from modern communication to offer a sharp commentary on how meaning is constructed in our digital age. In contrast, Chiotopoulos brings a more interior, tactile search to the gallery, weaving in archetypal shapes and calligraphy elements.

Together, they transform the “Labyrinth” into a space of discovery. This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to stroll through a maze of signs and silences, losing yourself in the traces of culture only to find your own way back.

Exhibition duration: 5 May – 6 June

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 11:30–14:30 & 17:30–20:30; Saturday: 11:30–15:00. Closed on Sunday.

Guided Tour of the Museum of the City of Athens
2026-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | The City of Athens Museum, 5-7 loannou Paparrigopoulou, Athens, 105 61, Greece
The City of Athens Museum (Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation) will welcome us for a rather special look at the capital’s modern history. The tour spans two iconic buildings that tell the story of a city finding its feet.

We start at the legendary “Old Palace”, the first residence of King Otto and Queen Amalia. It’s a space deeply intertwined with the very first steps Athens took as a modern European capital. Here, you’ll see the city through the objects and grand rooms that helped define its new, royal identity.

The journey then moves into the second building of the complex, the former home of the Dekozis-Vouros family. This is where things get personal. It offers a much more intimate glimpse into Athenian “high society” life, revealing the aesthetics, the daily habits, and domestic charm of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Through these collections and the stunning architecture itself, you’ll witness the trajectory of a city that was rapidly expanding and shaping its modern self. It’s a tour that beautifully bridges the gap between Athens’ grand political history and its private, everyday heart.

This activity is only available in Greek.
