The Museum of Cycladic Art has arranged six five-day terms in June and July that will fascinate the young friends of the Museum and make the summer in the city a creative adventure full of discovery.

Packed with interactive guided tours, screenings, storytelling, painting, construction and sculpture crafts, group games and activities, the Museum of Cycladic Art's 'summer camp' is an alternative summer activity for children 5-9 years old.

A game between Picasso and Antiquity is based on the temporary exhibition: «Picasso and Antiquity. Line and clay».

In this year's summer camp line and clay join contradictions and create a fertile field prone to dialogue between now and then, man and woman, war and peace, man and beasts and, finally, children and Antiquity, children and Picasso. This dialogue will carry on between mythology and folk tales and will sum up in children's artworks through different techniques.

To learn more, please visit the: Museum of Cycladic Art

The beloved film-loving summer date, the Athens Open Air Film Festival, in collaboration with the City of Athens Cultural, Sport and Youth Organization, returns in its 8th edition with magical screenings from June to August. Special city corners, archaeological monuments, parks, squares, beaches and some of the most beautiful museums and sites in Athens transform into an open-air cinema with free entrance to the audience.

The Athens Open Air Film Festival continues its solid collaboration with the British Council by suggesting classic masterpieces of the British cinema, among which some of the top adaptations of literary works within the framework of the “Classics Illustrated: Reading on the big screen” tribute which runs through this year’s program.

This article outlines all of the screenings for June so keep scrolling for full program info...

Friday, June 15^th / Plato’s Academy
Goldfinger, 1964 - by Guy Hamilton

The glittering Aston Martin. The woman named Pussy Galore. A naked female body dipped into gold. Gert Fröbe as a fatally cool rival. The first- class combination of cosmopolitan adventure, spy action and witty screenplay. Sean Connery as more irresistible a James Bond as ever. Shirley Bassey and her prominent voice in the theme song. Humour which becomes a necessary addition to an on-screen cocktail that is always served «shaken, not stirred»…

Duration: 110’ 
Starting Time: 21h30


Thursday, June 21^st / Ermou Pedestrian Precinct
Strictly Ballroom, 1992 - by Baz Luhrmann

European Music Day Celebration

The young dancer Scott Hastings trains from a young age in ballroom dances, something that is a family tradition. Being faithful to a totally unique personal style, he does his best to win the big prize in the national competition. A director who loves music, grand spectacle and who functions without guilt towards the pop culture’s bliss and film melodrama, Luhrmann delivers in his cinema debut an indulging dance lesson.

Starring: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thompson, Gia Carides, Peter Whitford
Duration: 94’
Starting Time: 21:30

The Athens Open Air Film Festival collaborates for the fourth consecutive year with the Athens & Epidaurus Festival in a series of screenings with  free entrance which cinematographically mark the summer.

Monday, June 25th / Cine Riviera
The Young Runaway, 1968 - by Stavros Tsiolis

While waiting for the «Jungle» circus’ arrival in the village, the children pretend to be grown-ups, the birds are singing and midsummer young Maria meets young Alexis. Alexis will tell her that he is a runaway and shortly after, holding a crushed plastic bottle of milk in his hands, he will ask her the  magical question: «Maria, do you want to marry me when we grow up?».

Starring: Maria Papaioannou, Nikos Oikonomidis, Aggelos Antonopoulos, Ina Mauer, Maria Foka, Theano Ioannidou
Duration: 92’ |
Starting Time: 21h30

Electra awaits the appropriate timing to avenge her father's death, Agamemnon , King of Myceanae, who was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover Aegisthus. Opportunity arises when she meets again with her brother Orestis. Together they will both set to motion their lethal plan.

In 1962 Michael Cacoyannis delivers through «Electra» the most timely and simultaneously exemplary transfer of ancient greek tragedy to cinema.

Starring: Irene Papa, Giannis Fertis, Aleka Katselli, Manos Katrakis, Notis Peryalis, Takis Emmanuel

Music: Mikis Theodorakis

Duration: 110’/

Starting Time: 21:30

"This kind of certainty comes but just once in a lifetime," Clint Eastwood says to Meryl Streep, in a distinctive scene in the remarkable romantic film. And we are certain of your love for the 8th Athens Open Air Film Festival, which began its trip around town, opening its gates on the evening of Monday the 4th of June, with the screening of Clint Eastwood’s beloved film "The Bridges of Madison County" at the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

In a festive but also especially emotional screening the popular Festival marked the beginning of the cinematic summer in the idyllic courtyard of the Byzantine and Christian Museum. The audience did an early start, and until the film began, the Museum’s forecourt was plenty with more than 600 viewers who sat even on the floor, but many also stayed for the screening standing up!

The Athens Open Air Film Festival’s Artistic Director, Loukas Katsikas, welcomed both audience and collaborators by mentioning that The Athens Open Air Film Festival started eight years ago, with a bold idea. It dreamed of our town as a magical open-air cinema and moved on to realize this dream, by transforming some of the most beautiful and most unexpected locations of Athens – neighborhoods, streets, parks, archaeological sites, hills and beaches – into improvised open-air cinemas, enriching the experience of watching films while simultaneously seeing our city in a different way.

Next, Loukas spoke about the opening film, which was also the opening film of the first "Opening Nights" Festival in 1995. He also extensively referred to this year’s program and the special screening at the Little Theater of Ancient Epidaurus with the promise that the Festival will continue in special places in and outside of Athens, in an effort to renew itself and constantly break ground.

Concluding his speech, he warmly thanked for their steady and longtime support:

The Minister of Culture, Ms. Lydia Koniordou, the City of Athens Cultural, Sport and Youth Organization and its President, Mr. Konstantinos Bitzanis, the U.S. Embassy in Athens and particularly Ms. Eleni Alexaki, the chief of the Exhibits Communication and Education department of the Byzantine and Christian Museum, Mr. Periandros Epitropakis as well as the space keeping staff, the collaborators from the Athenian Brewery.

The screening was attended – among others – by the former Minister, Ms. Louka Katseli, the director Yiorgos Zois, the radio producer Mary Retsina, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival’s Director, Orestis Andreadakis, the actor Nicholas Aggelis and the Hellenic Film Commission’s Director, Ms. Venia Vergou.

After the screening, the viewers enjoyed cold Fischer beer in the wonderful garden of the Museum’s restaurant, Ilissia.

Fischer, the most beloved beer won't be missing from the biggest summer film celebration in Athens, which returns for its 8th year. Fischer is the official sponsor of the 8th Athens Open Air Film Festival.

The 8th Athens Open Air Film Festival is carried out in collaboration with the City of Athens Cultural, Sport and Youth Organization including screenings, throughout the whole summer, in the city's special corners, archaeological sites, parks, squares and some of the most beautiful museums and spots in Athens, with free entrance to the public.

For more information about the 8th Athens Open Air Film Festival, please visit: AOAFF

Do you want to learn how to speak Greek? This book will help you to understand and express the basics quickly and successfully. Designed and written for electronic devices, Eleni’s GREEK PHRASE BOOK is the perfect easy-to-use resource for anyone working in or traveling to Greece.

The Most Convenient Addition To Your Device When

Note, American spelling and vocabulary is used throughout, however, some common British words have also been included for our UK and other international readers.

Greek wines are attracting attention, both locally and internationally. From grapes that are succulent, light, and juicy, to acidic grapes grown in Santorini's volcanic soil, here are some of the best wines from Greece to try at the moment!

Atlantis is sourced from the volcanic soils of the island of Santorini; Thymiopoulos Atma Assyrtiko, Imathia 2017 comes from the north west, in Greek Macedonia. Both have that electric flash of acidity and tang that works so well with fish grilled or baked with lemon and herbs.

A modern star of Greek winemaking, Apostolos Thymiopoulos, is behind many of the best bottles. As well as the assyrtiko, look out for the fuller, more mouthfilling white grape malagouzia in both the delightfully exotically fruited, floral and herb-laced Thymiopoulos Malagouzia, Imathia 2017 and Atma White Malagouzia and Xinomavro.

For a more conventional take on Greece’s signature red variety from Thymiopoulos, try the Thymiopoulos Jeunes Vignes de Xinomavro, Naoussa 2016, which is made in a succulent, light, juicy, vividly red-fruited style for thirst-quenching sipping with charcuterie. Or try the Terra Olympus, which is richer, darker, more structured but with the same thrilling acidity: one for herb-roasted lamb.

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian

The unexpected loss of Anthony Bourdain shocked many people across the world, as the eccentric American chef had visited every corner of the globe to taste local delicacies. And, naturally, Greece was one of his favorite gastronomic destinations.

Every time Bourdain was doing a show in Greece, his eyes sparkled with love and admiration for the country. Whether he was watching a village woman making fyllo for bougatsa or a fisherman showing his catch, the acclaimed chef acted like a child gazing at the window of a candy store. Watch the video below!



To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Greek summer never fails to impress! The country has once again been voted as the absolute best destination for a ''Sunny Escape'', it's crystal clear waters have been ranked amongst the cleanest in Europe and discover how many countries are trying to create their own little version of Santorini island!

What an exciting week dedicated to women! If you're having trouble with getting to know the beautiful city of Athens, you might want to take a glance at some tips from a foreign travel blogger living in the City, an exclusive Q&A with an aspiring portuguese theather performer who also made Athens her home and why not meet the two Greek women climbing some of the world's highest peaks?

While most Greek islands are famous for their magical beaches or crazy nightlife, discover how one island hit the spotlight by winning an alternative award. Also learn about which Athens University became the first one to offer undergraduate courses fully taught in English and don't forget to take part in the Navarino Challenge, an exciting event full of sports and acivities for the whole family!

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present a collaborative art project between the Japanese visual artist Tomoko Shirakumo and the Greek musician and photographer Cadatta. Tomoko Shirakumo will exhibit eleven paintings from her series “The New Creation – 7”, which inspired and informed Cadatta‘s musical production, the album “Cosmos – Paradise on Earth”. The music will run as a soundtrack to the visual exhibition.

Shirakumo’s colorful natural world is full of energy, a calligraphic synthesis of fantastical flora, archetypal symbols and divine signs from the cosmos, rendered in watercolor, colored inks, Japanese Gansai, Japanese black ink, acrylic paint and glitter, as well as contemporary materials such as non-toxic nail polish and glass beads. Cadatta's ambient music reflects this synthesis and the continuous flow of a transcendental world while evoking in the viewer familiar memories and senses.

Tomoko Shirakumo was born in Japan where she currently lives and works, having spent 20 years in other countries such as Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and the U.S.A. She studied Fine Art at the University of California, Irvine. Upon returning to Japan, she worked in graphic arts at Nippon Design Center and other companies. Her work has been shown in many cities in Japan as well as Italy and Taiwan. She is vice-chairman of Earthship, a non-profit organization which aims to spread the concept of “Wa”, (which means "concord, harmony" in Japanese) through art and music.

Cadatta (Panagiotis A. Stefanou) is an alternative music artist from Athens. He has been producing music since 2003 and from 2005 has made many albums and remixes in the electronic music scene, for companies such as Café del Mar, Etoka Records, Pure Substance, Muak Music, DeepWit Recordings. He has worked with artists such as Hideo Kobayashi, Maria Voumvaki, Ilias Katelanos, nikosf, Alvaro Hylander and Tomoko Shirakumo. He performed frequently in Athens and London from 2007 to 2013 and at parties with Kerrri Chandler, Osunlade and Phonique. He manages the recording company DeepWit Uncovered.

With the kind support of Polis Grand Hotel, Athens. 

Hours: Tuesday 19/6 to Saturday 23/6 and Thursday 28/6 to Saturday 30/6, 17:00-20:00.
Artist Talk: Tuesday, 19 June, 19:00