The National Library of Greece (NLG) welcomes the public to its new location and invites us to engage in an exploration of the magical world of books! Within its new premises at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) and the original building at the Vallianio Megaro in central Athens, the library is the proud new home to research collections, a lending department, as well as a wide range of educational and cultural programs.
Full Access As Of January 14, 2019
Since December 17, 2018, bookworms and book lovers have enjoyed access to magazine and manuscript collections, as well as the library's lending department at the SNFCC. As of Monday, January the 14th, researchers and scholars can enjoy full access to all existing research collections. In terms of its holdings, this contemporary library provides readers with a rich variety of important historical documents and archives - the resources are truly endless. The library uses state-of-the-art technologies that are fully in-tune with our digital age, including a digital library platform, new website, new e-catalog, service discovery, and an e-reading room. The use of these services is limited only to registered users, and the registration process can be completed through the Central User Certification System of the NLG. However, even non-registered users can enjoy immediate, free and unrestricted online access to thousands of books and articles.
On January 14, 2019, the main building at Panepistimiou 32 in central Athens, that originally housed the National Library, will open its doors again! The building will have a hospitable newspaper reading room and will also function as an active hub for enterprise, knowledge, and information.
Explore the endless possibilities provided by the NLG on its website.
It's impossible to imagine Christmas without elves especially when Santa's little helpers work nonstop for a whole year, to plan countless surprises for children and grown-ups who never grow up!
Toy factories, sweet stores, magicians, a delicious food market, 250 fun activities, interactive workshops, theater, dance, and music performances await guests at the Christmas Village in Gazi. Experience holiday magic at the largest and most exciting festive village in Athens, where the spirit of Christmas truly comes to life!
On from November 30, 2018 to January 6, 2019, at Technopolis Gazi, 100 Pireos Street, visit Santa's headquarters where you can write and send a letter to Santa. The Christmas Village in Gazi is also full of a variety of restaurants, sweet and coffee shops, and countless gift shops which remind you that Christmas is all about giving back and sharing love!
Ice skating has gradually become an extremely popular leisure activity during the winter in Greece. It is a fun experience for people of all ages and everyone looks forward to visiting an ice rink during the holidays in Athens.
The Largest Ice Rink In Greece
The largest permanent ice rink in Greece has an ice surface of more than 1,000 square meters! The ice rink at the Athens Heart is located at 186 Pireos Street in Tavros and operates from September to early May. Its impressive size, which is close to international standards, as well as the quality of the ice, make the rink appropriate for aspiring athletes who can train under the guidance of professional ice skating coaches.
SNFCC Ice Rink
The ice rink at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Faliro is open daily from December 1, 2018 until January 31, 2019. The SNFCC Ice Rink is expected to attract an immense number of visitors who will enjoy ice-skating in front of the holiday-decorated Agora. Admission to the ice rink is free with a maximum stay of 40 minutes per guest.
Ice Rink at Megaron Concert Hall
Located in the Megaron Concert Hall Atrium, the 375 square meter ice rink welcomes guests from December 9, 2018 until February 4, 2019. This ice rink, which operates daily until 11 pm, offers visitors an excellent opportunity to combine ice skating fun with one of the numerous performances held at the Megaron Concert Hall during the holiday season.
Ice Rink At Escape Center
Located on Leoforos Dimokratias in Ilion, the impressive ice rink at Escape Center welcomes visitors until the end of January. Open daily until 11 pm, this open-air ice rink is a favorite spot for endless fun on the ice under the guidance of experienced ice skating instructors.
Ice rinks are tremendously entertaining for both kids and adults and ice skating has become an integral part of winter holidays and festive season in Athens!
Representing over 100 years of Chinese culture, a rare exhibition of remarkable artifacts, including furniture and works of art, originating from the palace of Chinese Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), is currently on display at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The emperor's private apartments in the Forbidden City of Beijing, was where the most representative cultural elements of each era of the “great” Chinese Kingdom, were kept. Qianlong remained on the throne for sixty years (1736-1795), during which he reformed China, doubled its size and population, tended to the well-being of its citizens and nurtured the arts and education with passion. He was one of the most renowned emperors in Chinese history, leaving his personal mark on the art of China.
Impressive & Amazing Exhibits
When entering the exhibition, the visitor meets the emperor's embroidered gold ceremonial attire and the huge portrait that depicts him immediately after his ascent to the throne. The next display presents the tea services used by the emperor and his guests, theatrical costumes from the private performances held at the palace, and poetic texts. Among the most impressive exhibits are the imperial couple’s heated bed and decorative works of art of from the emperor’s personal belongings. The Acropolis Museum provides guided tours of the exhibition in both Greek and English aiming to bring visitors closer to the Chinese cultural era of Emperor Qianlong's reign.
Duration: Until 14 February 2019.
Exhibition area: Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Acropolis Museum ground floor.
