Open House Athens tours – 5 & 6 April 2025
March 16, 2025
Design Geek
English | What's on

This is definitely an event you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances. So, save the date!!! And since we’ll definitely be there and will present everything we manage to see upon our return, let’s now introduce exactly what this event is and what we’ll see there.

The Open House Initiative

Open House is an international initiative that, through free guided tours of architecturally significant buildings, aims to highlight and promote architecture. The idea started in London in 1992, and since then, this initiative has been organized in approximately 60 cities worldwide. It is a non-profit event that relies on sponsors and volunteers. In 2023, 1.2 million people visited one of the 6,250 buildings open to the public in all participating cities, making the Open House initiative the largest event globally in the urban landscape. The Open House tours, with the help of volunteers, invite visitors to explore and understand the value of architecture. Every year, for a weekend, both public and private buildings open their doors to the public for free. Specifically, in Athens, this initiative has been taking place every spring since 2014, while in Thessaloniki, it is held every fall.

What you will visit this year at Open House Athens.   

New entries this year

This year have been added in the portfolio three apartments, two working spaces, a gallery, a co-working and co-living building, an institute, a hotel  and an event hall. So, you won’t know where to go first!

Three Object Apartment, DeMachinas architects

  • ΟΤΕ HQ: 99 Kifisias avenue, Marousi. A landmark building of 38,000 sq.m., designed following a national architectural competition in 1970 by architects Platon Masselos, Grigoris Mavrommatis, and Dimitris Nakos. After its 2024 renovation by A-team MELETI E.P.E., the “green” OTE Administrative Headquarters stands as a model of sustainable construction and a modern, flexible workspace. It integrates cutting-edge technologies, fosters communication and collaboration, and offers optimal conditions for its 4,200 employees.  Opening hours: 06/04 10:00-16:00.      
  • Three Object Apartment: 76 Makedonias st., Papagou. The renovation of this first-floor apartment by the architectural firm DeMachinas goes beyond modernizing the residence, extending to the exploration of a structurally unfinished building designed in 1970 following the principles of the Modernism. The goal was to reveal the structural shell and create a flexible living space. Three functional elements organize the space: a circular kitchen counter, a rectangular storage volume, and a rotating cross that both separates and connects different areas. Opening hours: 06/04 10:00-16:00.     
  • Offices at The Orbit building: 115 Kifisias avenue. Ticketmaster Hellas‘s offices are located on a floor of “The Orbit”, which was renovated in 2023 by the architectural firm Kokosalaki Architecture. The design creates a modern work environment, combining flexibility with spaces that promote both privacy and collaboration. Opening hours: 05/04 12:00-18:00.   
  • Apartment in Kolonaki: 23 Kanari st. Apartment of 150 sq.m., located in a 1958 apartment building designed by Rennos Koutsouris. It was renovated in 2024 by Plani and Karahalios Architects with a focus on preserving all valuable elements and materials, enhancing the apartment’s urban character, and balancing the visual outcome of all spaces to reflect the shift in functional hierarchy compared to the 1950s. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00, 06/04 11:00-17:00.   
  • Lycabettus apartment: 24 Synesiou Kyrinis St. An apartment renovated in 2024 by Oikonomakis Siampakoulis Architects, combining modern Greek aesthetics with a collection of vintage objects and furniture. It serves as a sanctuary of art and design.. Opening hours: 06/04 10:00-17:00.    
  • Institute Italiano di Cultura Atene: 47 Patision St. A neoclassical building constructed in the early 20th century and restored in 2006, based on a study by architect Evgenios Ninios. Since 1954, it has housed the Italian Cultural Institute of Athens. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-13:00.     
  • Veil: 1 Filadelfeos & Karamanlaki St., Patissia. The renovation and extension of a corner duplex from 1951 was a project by the architectural firm Arid, combining respect for the urban fabric with contemporary design solutions. The addition of a new volume was executed in a way that maintains a sense of lightness without visually burdening the surroundings, incorporating elements that promote sustainability and functionality. The architectural approach focused on preserving the site’s memory, using high-quality materials, and adapting to modern living needs. The building includes shared spaces, such as coworking and coliving areas, fostering a sense of community. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-20:00, 06/04 11:00-19:00.  
  • Perianth hotel: 2 Limpona St. A preserved Art Deco building from the 1930s was transformed into a hotel in 2018 by k-studio. It features distinctive curved elements and an interior design inspired by the modernist character of the interwar period, seamlessly balancing the austerity of the old with the elegance of the new. Opening hours: 06/04 14:00-20:00.    
  • DA 45: 45 Dionysiou Areopagitou St. An event hall located in a neoclassical building constructed between 1916-1920 for the Meropios Charitable Foundation. The Church of Agia Sophia of Acropolis is also situated within the same building complex. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00. 
  • Gallery in Koukaki: 9-11 Erechtheiou St. Showroom 9-11 is a hybrid gallery space in the artistic neighborhood of Koukaki, created by A&O ARCHITECTS in collaboration with the newly arrived brand YOMACASA. A former ground-floor Athenian shop from the 1960s has been transformed into a modern and luxurious exhibition space that resembles a well-curated home, showcasing a collection of internationally recognized Greek artists. The space will be continuously transformed to inspire and host a wide range of aesthetic experiences and social events. Opening hours: 05/04 14:00-18:00, 06/04 12:00-16:00.   

Residential

Except for the ones already mentioned above, the following four residences still participate at the open tours, adding some new spaces this year.

10AM Lofts, Gavalas Ioannidou Architecture & Studio Andrew Trotter

  • Residence/Studio of Panos Valsamakis: 85 Kifisias avenue, Marousi. A multi-space of the ’60s, which combined residence, studio, and exhibition space of the distinguished ceramist Panos Valsamakis, designed by Michalis Orros. It’s impressive that the architect designed this project with minimal visual capability but with great love.
  • Alekos Fassianos Museum and building: 15 Neofytou Metaxa St. Building designed and remodeled in the 1990s by architect Kyriakos Krokos in collaboration with artist Alekos Fassianos, and since early 2023, it has housed the artist’s museum. This year, all the floors will be open to visitors (museum, space for educational programs, and apartments), with certain areas opening to the public for the first time, such as an apartment furnished with personal items of the artist and other apartments with furniture designed by Alekos Fassianos. Opening hours: 06/04 10:00-16:00.
  • 10AM Lofts: 82 Konstantinoupoleos Avenue. A former industrial building transformed into a unique complex by Gavalas Ioannidou Architecture and Studio Andrew Trotter, from 2016 to 2021. This year, the new space, “10AM Apotheke,” located in the basement of the building, will also be open to visitors. Opening hours: 05/04 13:00-18:00, 06/04 13:00-18:00.
  • Kyano: 12 Frynis St., Pagkrati. An apartment in a 1964 building, renovated between 2023-2024 by the architectural firm Space is around us, led by Elli Athanasiadou. The rigid compartmentalization of the space was replaced with an open-plan layout to maximize usable space, natural light, and the seamless flow between the entrance, living area, kitchen, and dining space. A single dominant color, inspired by the bold hues of 1960s wallpapers, was chosen as the organizing element of the floor plan: a blue volume encloses the WC, around which the living, kitchen, and dining areas unfold. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-20:00, 06/04 10:00-20:00.

Hotels

Five hotels apart from Perianth hotel, participate again this year in open tours.

Ergon Bakehouse Athens, Urban Soul Project

  • Coco-mat Athens: 36 Patriarchou Ioakeim St, Kolonaki. The block of flats known as “Z. Lorentzatou Building”, which was designed in 1935 by the architect E. Lazarides, was radically renovated by Elastic Architects in 2015, in order to house the Coco-Mat Hotel in Kolonaki.. Opening hours: 05/04 12:00-14:00, 17:00-19:00, 06/04 12:00-14:00, 17:00-19:00.
  • Coco-mat Athens Jumelle: 2 Irodotou St, Kolonaki. A second brand-new hotel was added to the family of Coco-Mat Athens in Patriarch Ioakeim street, designed by Elastic Architects, who followed the architectural vocabulary of the first building. Therefore, its facade is shaped by its erkers and its wooden vertical sliding blinds that offer not only shading but privacy as well. Opening hours: 06/04 14:00-20:00.
  • Moxy Athens City: 65 Stadiou St, Omonoia Sq. The former Sarogleio Palace on Omonia Square, which was transformed into a modern hotel in 2022 by Dimand, based on designs by Kokkinou – Kourkoulas Architects and Divercity Architects. Opening hours: 06/04 11:00-18:00.
  • Ergon Bakehouse Athens: 27 Mitropoleos & 9-11 Patroou St. A building from 1920, designed by architect V. Tsagris, which since 2024 houses the new project of the ERGON team: a hotel and food market where food and hospitality are developed around sourdough, its resting and rising conditions. The design, undertaken by Urban Soul Project, as well as the material choices, draw inspiration from the bakery, and the professional kitchen.Opening hours: 06/04 12:00-18:00.
  • IN[N]ATHENS: 3 G. Souri St, Syntagma. In 2019, the expansion of the hotel in[n]Athens was completed at a preserved building of the post-war period of the athenian architecture, designed by STOA Studio of Architecture. Opening hours: 06/04 12:00-20:00.

Work spaces

Six impressive work spaces that haven’t been mentioned above, open for you and your employers to get inspiration from.

Endeavor Greece offices, Deda & architects

  • Kaizen campus: 111 Neratziotissis St., Marousi. The new office building of Kaizen Gaming, completed in 2023 by the architectural firms ASPA-KST and Urban Soul Project, with co-development companies Dimand and Prodea, and project owners Prodea.
  • Endeavor Greece offices: 102 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. Office space housed in a building from 1957, featuring postmodern architecture, which served as the ‘Kyanos Stavros’ hospital for decades. The architectural study from a hospital to an office building was carried out by Deda & architects. The interior design study conducted by the Interior Design Laboratorium aimed to accentuate the building’s clean lines and add elements that evoke a relaxed and constructive working atmosphere. The office space easily converts into a meeting area, while individual spaces follow a flexible system for sharing among all employees. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-16:00.
  • PPC Distribution station: 111 3rd Septemvriou & Rizou, Victoria. A building designed by architect Kleon Krantonellis in 1977. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Kykladon st. Atelier and Spiteri residence: Kykladon & Kefallinias St., Kypseli. This small modern residence was initially designed and constructed by the architect, and Bauhaus representative, Aristomenis Provelengios, between 1955 and 1958. The building was restored by Dionysis Sotovikis in 2009 and today, it is used as his atelier. In 2021 the studio was expanded to the adjacent building, Spiteri residence, which is also open to the public. Opening hours: 05/04 12:00-18:00, 06/04 12:00-18:00.
  • Prodea HQ: 9 Hryssospiliotissis. A pre-war building with a preserved façade, redesigned internally in 2020 by Urban Soul Project to house the offices of Prodea Investments. It holds LEED sustainability certification and meets international standards for quality living conditions under WELL certification. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00, 06/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Piraeus Tower: 2 Akti Poseidonos st. The landmark of Piraeus, the second tallest building in the country, began construction in 1972, remained unfinished for decades, and was fully reconstructed in 2021-23. Today, it stands as Greece’s first ‘green’ and digital skyscraper. The original design in the ’70s was undertaken by the architectural office of Alexandros Loizos, in collaboration with Ioannis Vikelas and Dimosthenis Molfesis. In 2020, after an international competition, the architectural firm PILA took on the design of the facades, and the office ASPA – KST designed the commercial spaces, while the new general architectural study was entrusted to Betaplan. Implementation of the project was undertaken, among others, by Dimand and Prodea Investments.

Cultural and historical buildings

Goethe Institute Athens, PLAN E.E. architects

  • Megaron, the Athens concert hall: 1 Kokkali St & Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. he Concert Hall is a fine example of modern architecture, dominating with its austere Doric lines, was built in two phases: 1976-1991 and 1998-2004. Prominent Greek and foreign architects and engineers were involved in designing a venue that would allow the production of events to the highest standards, such as: H. Keilholz, E. Vourekas, I. Skroumpelos, V. Sgoutas, K. Kyriakides + associates, A.N. Tompazis office, Thomson.  Opening hours: 06/04 12:00-18:00.
  • Iliou Melathron: 12 Panepistimiou st. The neoclassical building with the characteristic two-storey loggia, was built in 1881 after the designs of Ernst Ziller and today it houses the Numismatic Museum of Athens. The renovation was carried out by E. Misailidou-Filippopoulou and M. Chrysoulaki in 1984 and by E.Androutsou in the beggining of the 21st century. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Goethe Institut Athen: 14-16 Omirou st. A building designed by architect and musician Hans Wolff-Grohmann in 1982 and renovated by the architectural firm PLAN E.E. (Dr. Thomas Greve, Michalis Athanasiadis) in 2020. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-16:00.
  • Diomidis mansion: 146 3is Septemvriou Avenue. The first building constructed to house archives. The design and construction supervision, completed in 1926, were undertaken by the Technical Department of the National Bank, with architect Nikolaos Zoumpoulidis. In 2000, renovation and restructuring works began, converting it from an archive to a space housing the Historical Archive of the National Bank. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Eunardou mansion: 20 Agiou Konstantinou & Menandrou. This neoclassical building of the late 19th century was sold by the landowner Christos Antonopoulos  to the National Bank of Greece in 1942. Since 1998, it serves as Cultural Centre of MIET, while it houses the Cartography Archive and the Paxinou-Minoti Museum. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Bageion: 18 Omonoias sq. Initially, the building served as a hotel of high aesthetics, designed in the late-nineteenth century by Ernst Ziller. Today, it functions as a multi-cultural venue. The tour includes the ground floor and the first floor.
  • Melas mansion: 93 Aiolou st. The former Post Office, the largest private building of its time in Athens, was built in 1874 based on designs by architect Ernst Ziller. The complete restoration of the protected building’s shell was carried out in 1979 under the supervision of the National Bank. Inside, it features a closed atrium with surrounding colonnades. On the ground floor, its central hall is used for events and lectures, while a wing houses artworks from the National Bank’s art collection. The upper floors accommodate office spaces for the Bank’s units. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Old Stock Market: 8-10 Sofokleous st. The building that housed the Athens Stock Market from 1934 to 2005 was constructed in 1931 based on designs by architect Nikolaos Zoumboulidis, and it was vertically expanded between 1965-1968. Today, it operates as a venue for various events and will be fully restored in the future under the supervision of the National Bank. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Athens city museum – Old palace: 7 I. Paparigopoulou St, Klafthmonos Sq. The museum is housed in two historical buildings: the former residence of Stamatios Dekozis Vouros, built in 1833 by G. Lueders and J. Hoffman and the residence of Constantine Vouros, built in 1859 by G. Metaxas and was radically transformed in 1916 by A. Helmis, following the tendencies of eclecticism. The Old Palace building will be opened as part of the program. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Old Parliament House:  13 Stadiou st., Kolokotroni sq. Built in 1858 and initially designed by François Boulanger, in order to house the Parliament and the Senate. In 1862 the original plans were altered by Panagiotis Kalkos. Since 1962 it houses the National Historical Museum. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-16:00, 06/04 10:00-16:00.
  • Listed building in Plaka (ΜΙΕΤ): 13 Thoukididou, Plaka. A preserved building, which after the liberation operated as one of the first hotels, with the symbolic name “Europe”. Successively housed the B’ Gymnasium (1852-1880), the Athens Guardhouse (1881), the Criminal Court (1890-1910), refugee families (1922), as well as families renting rooms during the 1940s and 1960s. In 1959 it passed into the ownership of the National Bank of Greece and in 1975 it was decided to house its Cultural Foundation. Between 1980-1984, its restoration was carried out, based on a study by architects A.S. Kalligas and A.G. Romanos. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Angeliki Chatzimichali residence: 6 Angeliki Chatzimichali, Plaka. A three-story residential building constructed in 1924 according to the designs of A. Zachos. Today, it houses the Center for Folk Art and Tradition. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-15:00, 06/04 10:00-15:00.
  • Amalias 36 – Lykiardopoulos mansion: 36 Vasilissis Amalias avenue, Syntagma. Built between 1926 and 1933 by the architect Konstantinos Kyriakidis, it is one of the most beautiful and historical buildings of Athens, as well as an interesting example of interwar architectural period.. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Onassis library: 56 Vas. Amalias Av., Plaka. A neoclassical building of the early-twentieth century, designed by Anastasios Metaxas, has been transformed into a library for the Onassis Foundation in 1991 by Vasilis Tsegkis. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-15:00, 06/04 11:00-15:00.
  • Kavafi archive: 16Β Frynichou st., Plaka. Preserved building from 1910 with elements of eclecticism, expanded in 1989. Today it houses the Cavafy Archive, a space with the poet’s writings and books, personal items and furniture, surrounded by artworks created by the Onassis Foundation and inaugurated in November 2023. The architectural study was undertaken by Flux-office, by Eva Manidaki and Thanassis Demiris. 
  • Piree art space: 78 Kastoros st., Piraeus. Pirée, an active multispace inside an old industrial building of 1890, was designed by Lab71 in 2014. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Lab Piree – Π Gallery: Dragatsaniou St. & Aitolikou St., Piraeus. Industrial building of 1930, renovated by Ioannis Skourlis and Kosmas Karavas, to host the multispace Lab Pirée – Π Gallery. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.

Educational buildings

British school at Athens

  • American school of Classical studies at Athens: 61 Souidias St., Kolonaki. Architectural complex consisting of the Gennadius Library, built in 1923 according to the designs of architect Stewart Thompson, Cotsen Hall, built in 2005 according to the designs of architect I. Vikelas, and the ‘Ioannis Makrygiannis’ wing, inaugurated in 2018. The three buildings will be open to visitors. Opening hours: 06/04 10:00-16:00.
  • British school at Athens: 52 Souidias st. The British School at Athens (BSA) was founded in 1886. Nowadays it has grown to become a dynamic hub for research into all aspects, providing a ‘home from home’ in Athens for postgraduate students and researchers. The BSA site at present comprises several buildings set in a green oasis. These include the Macmillan Hostel (1897, later extended), an extensive library (including the Finlay common room, Penrose Memorial Library, 1904; the Payne Room, 1938; extensions in 1965-67 and 1985; and the Kollakis Wing, 2007) which is open to both BSA members and public readers, and the Marc and Ismene Fitch Laboratory for Archaeological Science (established 1974, extended 1987). Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-16:00.
  • German archaeological institute: 1 Feidiou st. The building is an example of late Athenian classicism. The original core of the complex belongs to the most beautiful examples of Ernst Ziller‘s architectural production. The restoration of the building by Kostas Mylonas was awarded by the European Europa Nostra Prize in 1985. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00.
  • Historical Textile Factory: 38 Vasilissis Amalias st. The Historical Textile Factory of SEN (association for the education of young women) belongs to a building complex constructed from 1878 to 1901 according to the designs of architect Nikolaos Lysippos. It constitutes a unique preserved unified architectural square on the facade of Plaka. The first floor of the building will be accessible to visitors, where a rare collection of pre-industrial weaving tools is exhibited.

Public buildings

Athens City Hall, architect: Panagiotis Kalkos

  • Athens Cultural centre: 50 Akadimias st. A neoclassical building from 1842, designed by F. Stauffert with modifications by E. Schaubert, originally operated as the Athens Civil Hospital for approximately one and a half centuries. It was renovated in the 1970s and today houses the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Athens. Opening hours: 05/04 11:00-17:00, 06/04 11:00-17:00.
  • The Library of the Hellenic parliament – Former public tobacco factory: 218 Lenorman st. The Former Public Tobacco Factory was designed by P. Athanasakis and A. Ligdopoulos in 1927. Today it houses many uses, between them the City Library and the Benakeios Library of the Hellenic Parliament.
  • Athens City hall: 63 Athinas st, Omonoia. The City Hall of Athens is housed in a neoclassical building that was designed in 1872 by Panagiotis Kalkos. In 1937, an extra storey was added to the building, while in 1995 it was restored by the architect Maria Daniil. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-15:00, 06/04 11:00-15:00.
  • Old (small) Stock Market: 1 Pesmazoglou St. (entrance through the arcade). The Athens Stock Market was established in this building, its fourth headquarters, in November 1891, in the premises leased from the owner Konstantinos Voultsos. It remained there until November 1934 when it was relocated to the current building at 10 Sofokleous Street, owned by the National Bank of Greece. The restoration of the building was carried out by the architect Giannis Kizis in 1997. The building stands out for its imposing architectural decoration, both on the exterior and especially on the interior, which follows the principles of eclecticism. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.
  • Mavromichalis mansion – The European Parliament Liaison Office: 8 Vasilissis Amalias Avenue. A preserved neoclassical building from 1870, restored in 1993 by V. & I. Gianniotis, P. Chatzisarantis, D. Kleisiounis, and subsequently in 1999 by the technical company EDRASIS, to house the European Parliament Liason Office in Greece. Opening hours: 05/04 12:00-16:00, 06/04 12:00-16:00.
  • Zappeion mansion: Vasilissis Olgas Av., National Garden. A neoclassical mansion built in 1888, designed by architect Theophil Hansen, now serving as a conference and exhibition center. Opening hours: 05/04 10:00-14:00, 06/04 10:00-14:00.

Religious buildings

Greek Evangelical Church, architect: Konstantinos Makris

  • Greek Evangelical Church: 50 Vasilissis Amalias avenue. The building of the Greek Evangelical Church was built based on the designs of Konstantinos Makris in 1958. Opening hours: 05/04 12:00-17:00, 06/04 13:00-17:00.

What should you do

1. Study the program.

2. Create your electronic identity (visitor QR code) in order to attend the guided tours.

3. Visitthe spaces that interest you during their opening hours.

4. Wait for your turn to follow the tour. Entrance by order of priority (based on the time of arrival at each space, during the opening hours) and at set intervals.

Entrance is free for all and no reservations are made. The last entry is 20′ before closing. Guided tours in English are available in all buildings.

Other initiatives

Meanwhile, through the Made in Athens initiative, on March 29th and 30th, there will be guided tours in professional spaces where the producers and creators themselves will explain to the public how they operate. On the same days, open walks will be organized in lesser-known areas of Athens. For schools, the Made in Athens event will take place on March 31st, and the tours of certain buildings of Open House will be held for students on April 4th. On April 3rd and 4th, Open Office will introduce renowned architects to the public, who will present their offices and the way they work.

The Open House tours, along with the complementary activities, are events you shouldn’t miss if you’re interested in design and architecture. You’ll have a hard time choosing where to go first, but whatever you choose will immerse you in the world of outstanding architecture.

Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens