Contemporary Horizons

The EMST is a dynamic cultural hub housed in one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks.

A living organism of expression and an open window to Greek and international creativity, Greece’s foremost museum of contemporary art is housed just steps from the Acropolis, in the historic building of the former FIX brewery on Syngrou Avenue.

With its iconic and inspirational character, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) resembles a modern vessel sailing through time. It speaks to the enduring nature of art and its many forms of creativity. From the very first step inside, a world of images, ideas, and sensations unfolds – inviting the visitor on an experiential journey of discovery. 

The building tells its own story. Once a brewery, now a sanctuary of artistic expression, it showcases its industrial identity through clean, minimalist lines. Glass surfaces allow natural light to flood the space, highlighting the bursts of colour in the artworks and creating a play of shadows and reflections.

Within this living canvas, the museum’s collection showcases works by Greek and international artists who employ a wide range of expressive media: painting, sculpture, video, installations, photography, and engravings. The works address both timeless and contemporary themes, sparking thought and raising questions. Across 18,000 square metres, the walls do not just function as white surfaces – they are transformed into scenes where social commentary, political concerns, and environmental anxieties unfold, with the audience actively participating in the narrative. In an age of information overload, EMST offers something rare – a space where one can pause, reflect, and feel.

And when the tour comes to an end, the experience continues. The museum houses a fine dining restaurant, while the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the urban landscape – from the Acropolis to the Bay of Faliro.
 

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TEXT : GEORGIA TSANTILA
PHOTOS : YIORGIS GEROLYMBOS,KATERINA PARASKEVA,EVA LIAPI,STEPHIE GRAPE