The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is one of the largest and newest developments that Athens has seen since it hosted the Olympic Games. It is a remarkable architectural feat pioneered by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and brought to life by the extraordinary vision of Italian architect Renzo Piano. It now houses two of Greece’s most important public institutions; the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece and welcomes over 6 million visitors each year.
ICE SKATING ON THE CANAL
Ice Skating at the Stavros Niarchos Center is free for the public. Photograph: Pelagia Karanikola/SNFCC
The Stavros Niarchos park is aglow once again with the spirit of Christmas. Aspiring figure skaters can enjoy ice-skating at the centre’s ice-rink situated along the north bank of the canal which is open to the public every day until 7 January 2024 (weather permitting), between 10:00am – 10:00pm and is free of charge. Each ice-skating session will last 40 minutes and visitors need to register in advance.
DANCING FOUNTAINS & CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The Canal at the Stavros Niarchos Center will showcase its 59 vertical water jets and 10 swivelling fountains in a powerful light, sound, and water display in sync with your favourite Christmas tunes. The show will be performed hourly.
Thousands of Christmas lights twinkle on trees along the Canal as well as lavishly decorated tall Christmas trees at the Agora as part of this year’s Christmas light installations. Until January 2024.
PERFORMANCES AT THE GREEK NATIONAL OPERA THIS MONTH
La Boheme
When: 27, 29, 31 Dec 2023 & 2 Jan 2024
Seven years after the last performance of La bohème at the Greek National Opera (GNO) in Athens, Giacomo Puccini’s timeless, much-loved masterpiece is making its return in an iconic production directed by the late British opera director, Graham Vick. Read more here.
The Nutcracker
When: 23, 24, 28, 30 Dec 2023 & 3 – 5 Jan 2024
The GNO presents one of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, The Nutcracker this festive season in Athens. A Gen Z Nutcracker walking the line between contemporary visuals and classical dance traditions.Read more here.
Winners Cup for the Marathon from the first modern Olympics in 1896
The first prize from 1896 Olympic Games for the marathon presented to Spyridon Louis of Greece. Photograph: Christie’s
Stop by the foyer of the SNFCC where you will find the Silver Cup that was awarded at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 to the Marathon champion of the time, Greek runner Spyridon Louis.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre Visitor Map
