The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) officially opened in its permanent home, the former Fix Factory building, in February 2020. Founded in 2000, the Museum initially presented parts of its collection and temporary exhibitions in various venues across Athens. It also used the ground floor of its current building before fully relocating to the site.
The Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, document, research and exhibit works of contemporary Greek and international art. It is committed to promoting arts education and increasing public engagement with contemporary culture. The Museum also supports innovative and experimental artistic practices. In particular, it seeks to encourage the creation and presentation of audiovisual works and projects that use new media
The building of the museum
The building is an exhibit in its own right. It is an outstanding example of how an industrial site can be transformed into a bright and welcoming cultural space. Large openings and windows connect the interior with the surrounding city, creating an open and outward-looking environment. Originally, the building housed the FIX Brewery on Syngrou Avenue. It is considered one of the most significant works of modern Greek architecture and a landmark of the country’s industrial heritage. The brewery was first built by Karolos Fix in 1893. In the mid-1950s, it underwent a radical renovation designed and carried out by the architect Takis Zenetos (1926–1977), one of Greece’s most influential modernist architects.
The exhibitions of the museum
The Museum hosts periodic exhibitions very often and the permanent collection extends to floors 2, 3 and 4. Access to the floors is via a series of impressive escalators. In the rooms of the permanent collection are presented 172 works of 78 Greek and foreign artists, with three directions: Memories Reports – Claims – Political Narratives, Boundaries and Transits and Heterotopias – Mythologies of the Familiar – New perspectives.
The most important acquisitions are works by Ilya Kabakov, Stephen Antonakos, Gary Hill, Nan Goldin, Vadim Zakharov, Gillian Wearing, Ann Sofi Siden, Vlassis Caniaris, Nikos Kessanlis, Eleni Mylonas, Dimitris Alithinos, Nikos Navridis, Joel Sanders, Allan Sekula, Costas Tsoclis, George Hadjimichalis, Chryssa, Yiannis Psychopedis and Andreas Angelidakis. At the same time, there are excellent video artworks by important contemporary artists.
Among the exhibits that I singled out during my tour of the museum, I could mention: BOLDUC a triptych with wrapping ribbons by Pavlos (1980), the installation Mappemonde by George Lappas (1987), the installation Acropolis Redux (The Director’s Cut) by Kendel Geers (2004), the Cycladic Books by Chryssa (1957). And of course the most majestic exhibit of the Museum the installation Untitled by Jannis Kounellis (2004).
The exhibition concludes with The Ship of My Life by Ilya Kabakov (1993), which occupies the Museum’s entire final gallery. The installation features a life-sized wooden boat carrying 25 cardboard boxes filled with objects, photographs and written texts. The work has a large wooden fence, creating an immersive and reflective environment.
The exhibits of the Museum have a strong political and social character and touch on issues that concern modern man. Racism, immigration, borders, alienation, violence, war, and women’s emancipation are the main themes in the museum collection. The Museum’s permanent collection is not static. It continues to grow through the acquisition of new works, reflecting ongoing developments in the international contemporary art scene. In a world of constant change, EMST serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and perspectives through contemporary art. By presenting diverse artistic voices, it enriches public life and enhances the experience of its visitors.
The view from the roof
Of course, the tour of the Museum is not complete without a visit to the roof of the Museum. The view of the Acropolis rock is truly breathtaking. In that moment, you realize you are witnessing the pinnacle of ancient Greek culture. Without this model, contemporary artists would not have been able to advance art and expression to such heights.
The pedagogical programs of the museum
The Museum also organizes pedagogical programs for all levels of education and all ages. The programs aim, through participatory and experiential pedagogical methods, to promote both an active approach and aesthetic enjoyment of works of art. At the same time, they encourage self-expression, the cultivation of critical and creative thinking, and the promotion of meaningful communication. Finally, on the ground floor of the Museum, there is a bright, beautiful cafe and an excellent and updated shop.
An essential stop for contemporary art
The Museum is an essential stop for every lover of contemporary art. It is one of the most up-to-date and innovative museums in Europe. From the impressive entrance to the terrace, a visit to the museum is a walk in modern culture that will impress you. At the same time, it challenges you to think and leave your everyday comfort zone.
For more information you could visit the official website of the museum: www.emst.gr
National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (EMST) – Kallirrois Avenue & Amvrosiou Frantzi, 117 43, Athens
The article has been published in the 14th issue of the digital travel magazine Voyagers Voice: voyagersvoice.com
