Parallel Lives

The exhibition “Sikeliotis – Tassos: A Friendship with Common Roots” traces the parallel journey of two prominent figures in modern Greek art. Co-organized by the Teloglion Foundation, the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, and the Anthony E. Comninos Foundation, the exhibition features 160 works – engravings, paintings, and drawings – highlighting the common themes in the work of Giorgos Sikeliotis and Tassos Alevizos, better known simply as Tassos. It explores the values that informed their art, their working-class backgrounds, their studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts under Konstantinos Parthenis, and their solidarity with the common people. Unencumbered by foreign influences, both in style and subject matter, the two artists explored the concept of Greekness with genuine interest, contributing to the development of Greek modernism. -Xenia Georgiadou

The Secrets of Art

What stories lie behind a work of art? What personal traumas, sociopolitical conditions, or partnerships among artists have inspired its creation? The exhibition “From Now On: Stories for a Next Tomorrow,” which includes works by 100 artists such as Arman, Joseph Beuys, Yannis Gaitis, George Zongolopoulos, Chryssa Romanou and Andy Warhol, demonstrates that art does not follow a linear narrative. Instead, it evolves in a variety of directions, resonating with the present, drawing on the past, and looking ahead to the future. -Xenia Georgiadou

Traditional Costumes

Aprons, fur-lined vests (kontogounia), men’s cloaks (ntoulamades), embroidered vests (fermeles), and thick woolen overcoats (sigounia) served as the foundation for photographer Vangelis Kyris and artist Anatoli Georgiev’s collaborative work. The exhibition “Soul Garment” showcases Kyris’ portraits of traditional costumes (from the National Historical Museum and other major cultural institutions), enhanced with Anatoli Georgiev’s needlework. The photographs have been printed on canvas, allowing Georgiev to embroider them with additional visual elements in a creative reinterpretation of Greek tradition. On the initiative of the Papageorgiou Foundation, the exhibition in Thessaloniki will display new works featuring distinctive costumes from Macedonia and Thrace. Admission is free. -Xenia Georgiadou

Markos Kampanis at the Teloglion Foundation of Arts

Over 500 works – including paintings, prints, ecclesiastical art, and books – are featured in the major retrospective exhibition “Markos Kampanis: Works 1990–2020: A Multifaceted Artist.” After its presentation last winter at the National Library of Greece, the exhibition has now moved to the Teloglion Foundation of Arts. The works, divided into thematic sections, engage in dialogue with each other, revealing different aspects of the beautiful world that the artist created over the thirty years following his first visit to Mt Athos – a visit that marked a turning point in his wide-ranging artistic journey. -Panagiotis Koustas

Artworks on Silk

During his visit to the United Kingdom in July of 1961, Yuri Gagarin presented Queen Elizabeth with a silk scarf titled “Cosmos” and designed by Anna Andreeva as a commemorative gift. Several other creations by the Russian textile designer found their way into the hands of prominent figures in Western entertainment and politics, serving as tools of cultural diplomacy during the Cold War. However, these attempts were insufficient to increase her work’s visibility in Europe and America. Recognition occurred mostly after her death in 2008, when MoMA acquired part of her archive. The exhibition “Collective Threads: Anna Andreeva at the Red Rose Silk Factory” highlights the work of the remarkable Anna Andreeva and the Red Rose silk factory, where she served as chief designer from 1946 to 1984, as well as that of Soviet women’s art collectives. -Xenia Georgiadou

The Descent

Talented choreographer and director Christos Papadopoulos partners with Giannis Aggelakas, one of the most prominent representatives of the Greek rock scene, and the exceptional actress Olia Lazaridou to narrate Odysseus’ descent into Hades and his encounters with his former companions, his mother Anticlea, and the seer Tiresias. The work “Nekyia,” named after Book 11 of Homer’s Odyssey, is brought to the stage in an atmospheric performance that combines sound installation and dramatic reading to create the unique experience of a visit to the Underworld. –Xenia Georgiadou

Hipsters Hotel

At the intersection of design, art and hospitality stands Hipsters Hotel, housed in a beautifully renovated neoclassical building originally designed by civil engineer Jacques Moshe (Thessaloniki, 1900–1960). With 17 uniquely designed rooms, the hotel’s striking architecture is complemented by iconic pieces by design legends such as Jean Prouvé, Verner Panton and Tom Dixon, alongside timeless Viennese classics by Gebrüder Thonet. Hipsters Hotel isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a cultural beacon. It hosts art exhibitions (the compelling photography of acclaimed Thessaloniki artist Stavros Kalafatis is on display) and video screenings, enriching the city’s artistic landscape. Its stylish café-bar has become a destination in its own right, as has the chic Traveler’s Shop. This new design hotel is certain to captivate discerning travelers, art enthusiasts and anyone with a passion for cutting-edge style.

stART artworks

The city’s latest art shop is the brainchild of Christina Manolaki, who conceived the idea three years ago as a way to bring her personal touch to Artion Gallery, her family’s long-established business. This freshly launched concept art store showcases both Greek and international artists who celebrate the optimistic side of art, offering visitors an escape into a vibrant world of color, joy and creativity.

Among its standout pieces are the exclusive works of Canadian artist Laurie Skantzos, whose “Portals” series experiments with forms and neon hues, and Australian artist Jessica Swan, whose striking “Squiggs” are sure to captivate collectors and art lovers alike.

Volume R

Design flows through the veins of Nikos Rakkas, much as music is second nature to Georgia P. Together, they’ve created Volume R, a design studio, archive, store and gallery in the up-and-coming Aghioi Apostoloi neighborhood. This vibrant space is filled with an eclectic mix of vinyl records, collector’s editions, fashion, art, and design magazines, alongside decorative pieces from emerging brands and designers – all curated with a distinctive edge and strong creative vibes.

Volume R will also serve as an arts hub, hosting exhibitions by emerging street artists, illustrators, and graphic designers, as well as pop-up events, book launches, and live DJ sets. Its inaugural exhibition, ELWAverse by Parisian street artist Elwa, was hailed with critical acclaim and with enthusiasm from the public.

ESTET

This venue, the city’s latest casual hotspot, serves exceptional coffee and good food. It may be small but its large picture windows, ideal for people-watching, attracts both locals and Airbnb visitors exploring the neighborhood. The coffee game is strong here, featuring a balanced blend selection alongside single-origin beans from Costa Rica. Open until 21:00, ESTET has also become the place to go for a pre-bar bite; try the grilled cheese, made with sourdough bread, Kozani kasseri, pickled onion, za’atar, and chef Vassili Hamam’s signature coffee sriracha. Another favorite is the airy egg salad sandwich on brioche. Vegan options and a dessert of the day round out the food options. With local products – from their dairy items to the wine they serve – ESTET is a love letter to sustainable, thoughtful sourcing! -Nena Dimitriou

Super Ioulios

Located near Athonos Square, Super Ioulios is a new wine bar dedicated exclusively to Greek natural and low-intervention wines. Its thoughtfully curated menu features 66 selections from across the country, from Corfu to the Peloponnese, with around 20 available by the glass. To complement the wines, the bar offers a selection of cold dishes, including premium Greek cheeses and charcuterie sourced from local producers.

The long, narrow layout, simple decor and dramatic lighting give the venue the distinctive feel of a vintage train car, creating a warm and intimate setting. -John Papadimitriou

Tiffany’s x 1905

Experience the charm of a Parisian bistro on pedestrianized Iktinou Street. From the early hours of the morning, enjoy expertly brewed specialty coffee sourced from the local Valenio roastery; it’s the perfect prelude to a leisurely brunch. The menu is a celebration of modern cuisine rooted in traditional recipes and features an enticing variety of meat and fish dishes, as well as Cretan specialties. Set in the location once occupied by the historic Tiffany’s restaurant, the bistro, which boasts an elegant blend of classic charm and contemporary style, has an extensive wine list.

The impressive selection of 60 wines by the glass showcases wineries from across Greece, as does their collection of over 400 bottles. The sounds of jazz and Greek music provide the perfect soundtrack as you enjoy a bottle of wine from Naxos, or discover other lesser-known Greek varieties, such as the unique Potamisi, and allow each sip to tell you a story of Greece’s rich winemaking heritage. -John Papadimitriou