OPENING NIGHT · 20 OCTOBER 2026

Architecture
takes centre stage.

More than 2,000 visitors at the Hellenic Parliament’s former Public Tobacco Factory.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Nikitas Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament.

Opening night at the former Public Tobacco Factory, Athens.
Opening night at the former Public Tobacco Factory, Athens.

Photos by Houlaki Studio x Design Ambassador.

Architects, engineers, academics, artists and members of the public gathered on Tuesday 20 October 2026 for the official opening of “Architecture in Greece — The Mystical Language of Form”.

Organised by CityLab and co-organised by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with the support of the Hellenic Parliament, the exhibition explores architectural creation in Greece from prehistory to the present. It continues until 17 January 2027.

Architecture, memory and public life

In his opening address, Nikitas Kaklamanis discussed architecture as a witness to history and an active force in society. He also raised the prospect of a Greek Museum of Architecture and called for public spaces that encourage inclusion, access and dialogue.

Nikitas Kaklamanis · President of the Hellenic Parliament
Nikitas Kaklamanis · President of the Hellenic Parliament

The opening addresses

Co-curator Stavros Alifragkis welcomed the audience. Antonis Giannikouris, Secretary General of the TEE Assembly, spoke on behalf of TEE President Giorgos Stasinos about the social responsibility of architects and architectural quality as a right for all.

Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, highlighted the enduring value of the Panathenaic Stadium and the model created especially for this exhibition by Manolis Korres. The exhibition is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Olympic Committee.

Antonis Giannikouris · Technical Chamber of Greece
Antonis Giannikouris · Technical Chamber of Greece
Isidoros Kouvelos · President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee
Isidoros Kouvelos · President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee

The curatorial team

The exhibition’s ideas, themes and research were presented by Panagiotis Pagkalos, Dimitris Philippidis and Manolis Korres, following the welcome by Stavros Alifragkis.

Stavros Alifragkis · Co-curator, Associate Professor, University of West Attica
Stavros Alifragkis · Co-curator, Associate Professor, University of West Attica
Manolis Korres · Co-curator, Professor Emeritus NTUA, Member of the Academy of Athens
Manolis Korres · Co-curator, Professor Emeritus NTUA, Member of the Academy of Athens
Panagiotis Pagkalos · Co-curator, Professor, University of West Attica, Founder of CityLab
Panagiotis Pagkalos · Co-curator, Professor, University of West Attica, Founder of CityLab
Dimitris Philippidis · Co-curator, Professor Emeritus NTUA
Dimitris Philippidis · Co-curator, Professor Emeritus NTUA

Inside the exhibition

Following the speeches, visitors toured the galleries with the curatorial team. Drawings, models, photographs, artworks, publications and film material bring different periods into conversation, taking Dimitris Pikionis’s reflection on the “mystical language of form” as their starting point.

The Prime Minister was represented by Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Marilena Soukouli Viliali. Also attending were Third Deputy Speaker Athanasios Bouras and MPs Xenofon Baraliakos, Evangelos Apostolakis and Spyros Bibilas.

The evening concluded with Greek music performed by Maria Stai, accompanied on piano by conductor Giorgos Pagiatis.

Visitors tour the exhibition.
Visitors tour the exhibition.
Discovering the exhibition material.
Discovering the exhibition material.
Maria Stai · Singer
Maria Stai · Singer
Architecture for visitors of all ages.
Architecture for visitors of all ages.

Opening night in photographs

Photos by Houlaki Studio x Design Ambassador.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The exhibition continues.

Until 17 January 2027 · Thursday to Sunday · 11:00–19:00
Former Public Tobacco Factory of the Hellenic Parliament
218 Lenorman Street, Athens
Free admission on presentation of an identity card or passport.

Visitor information ↗
Opening press release (Greek PDF) ↓

CityLab · Technical Chamber of Greece · With the support of the Hellenic Parliament

Photos by Houlaki Studio x Design Ambassador.