Stavros Niarchos Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was designed by architect Renzo Piano and built with €566 million in funds provided by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The project was completed in 2016, and was donated to the Greek state in 2017 (because everyone knows how well the Greek government runs businesses). The center includes the Greek National Library, the National Opera House, and a large park, all built on the site of the old horse racing track in Faliron which was moved out towards the airport to make life more difficult for the gamblers.

The center overlooks the bay of Faliron though the entire park is built on an incline that faces Athens so to get a view of the sea you have to either take the elevator to the top of the opera house or walk up the hill where there is a small observation area.

There is also a long rectangular cement pool, which they call a canal where you can rent kayaks or sailboats.

The park itself is a labyrnth of paths and pedestrian roadways through Mediterranean plants and trees and a welcome addition to the neighborhood of Kalithea. There are bikes for rent, snack bars, an outdoor theater, fields for sporting and musical events, and lots of kids on skateboards. Click here for SNFCC events.

The roof of the library is actually part of the garden and the land is inclined towards the top of the building.

Getting to the Stavros Niarchos Center

A minibus with the SNFCC logo departs from Syntagma Square (intersection with Ermou Street), with a stop at the Syggrou-Fix Metro station, and arrives at the south side of the SNFCC Canal. It goes every 30 minutes on weekends. On weekdays the bus goes at 7:30, 10, 11,4, 5 and 5:30. On Fridays between 2:30 and 11pm the bus goes every 30 minutes. (On Sundays, from 10.00 to 13.00, the shuttle bus runs only from Syggrou-Fix to the SNFCC because of the changing of the gurard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma).

By Bus or by Metro & Bus

From the Center of Athens: Lines Β2, 550: These lines pass through the metro station Syggrou Fix where you can change means of transport. Getting off at the “Onasseio” stop on Syggrou Avenue southbound, head south in the direction of the sea, up to Evripidou Street (junction with Syggrou Avenue by-lane).

From Kifissia: Lines Β2, 550: Getting off at the “Eugenidio” stop on Syggrou Avenue northbound, then pass through the underground pedestrian pass towards Kallithea.

From Pireaus: Lines A1, B1: Getting off at the “Tzitzifies” stop on Ethnarchou Makariou Avenue. Move on the avenue towards Glyfaga, then left onto Epaminontas Street and finally right onto Peisistratou Street.

By Tram

From the “Τzitzifies ” stop, walk towards the Navarhou Votsi street and then turn right at Peististratou street. At Peisistratou and Sahtouri street you will find the entrance of the SNFCC through its parking.

By Trolley

Line 10 from Halandri Square to the Epaminonda stop. Walk towards Peisistratou and Sahtouri street and you will find the entrance of the SNFCC through the parking lot.

You can also drive to the Niarchos Center. There are signs on Syngrou and Poseidonas Avenue and there is an enormous parking deck though when there are big events you may find yourself stuck in traffic for longer than you want to be.

If you are visiting Greece and only have a few days in Athens I think there are a lot more useful ways to spend your time. But if you are in Athens for awhile and need a break from the city coming to the Niarchos Center is at least as enjoyable as a walk in the National Gardens. Bring bottled water if you come on a weekend day. Lines can be long at the cafes.