The Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation (SNCCF) project began in the late 90s’ but it was in 2006 that the plans got settled and the construction could begin. The project would move both the Greek National Library and the Greek National Opera to brand new and much better facilities.
At this time, Athens had the lowest green area per capita throughout Europe and therefore it was also decided to build a large park for the project – The Stavros Niarchos Park. The center is built on 210.000 m2 and the park on 30.000 m2.
It was Stavros Niarchos Foundation who paid for it all but they donated everything to the greek state which are the ones who are caring for the center, the park and everything within it. The project costed 620 million euros, of which the library and the opera received 5 million each.
The first impression when first entering the area is that it feels like a safe haven. There are very open spaces, it is green and many families are coming here to spend some hours and let the kids run around, either on the big lawn in the middle of the park or in some of the many playgrounds.
The large center is located on the edge of the park and it is an impressive sight with its futuristic appearance. From the top of the center you have an 360 degree view of the area and much of the city.
Here, exhibitions are organized on a regular basis. SNCCF is built 4,5 km south of the city center, just next to the Faliro bay, so from one side you as a visitor have a nice sea view that stretches towards Kastella and Pireus.
The park:
As we said before, the park is very big, open and something that the athenians really needed. A small sanctuary in the center of the city where you can come with your whole family. In the park you also find a Mediterranean garden with plants that grow in the Mediterranean area such as: Oregano, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, olivetrees, roses etc. The plants are planted is such way that each month has a new color when different flowers bloom out. In the park area there is also a big “canal” that should give the impression of being an extension of the sea. Here you can sail a dinghy and paddle canoe. The canal is very similar to the pool you can see outside the White House in Washington. Though, we don’t know if you’re allowed to sail a dinghy in that one.
The Greek National Opera:
The opera house is not only used for opera performances. Here there are also many musical-, conserts, theater-and ballet-performances. It is a very modern building which according to the SNCCF’s website has worldclass acoustics and a scene that is very flexible, which allows many types of performances to take place there. The opera has even more purposes though. It is also a place which will be used to spread and teach culture to people who usually don’t come to a place like this. Here there is also a scene for children to attract a younger audience and to encourage future generations to engage in culture. They organize children shows, educational programs and age-specific seminars along with other activities that the younger ones can enjoy.
There are two scenes in the opera house: One bigger with room for 1,400 seated audience and one smaller, more intimate scene that holds 400 people. On the smaller scene there are greek dance-, drama- and theater-performances.
The Greek National Library:
The library wanted to change its focus, from being directed mostly to researches and students, it wanted to capture the public and give all people access to the books. There are different departments for adults, teens and kids and the library also organizes events and various seminars for all ages. The Greek National Library is 24.000 m2 so there is plenty of room. Because it is very digitized, there are good opportunities to learn and read about greek history but also do research using material on different subjects. Especially students and researcher will find it much easier to access. The historical documents and scriptures are about 4.500 and are preserved from the 900’s until modern times.
Both the opera and the library are suited under the grassy roof top garden you walk on from the park up to the center. You hardly notice that you are on a roof when you are walking on the small path. Apparently, the grass and plants growing on the roof make it possible for the aircondition system inside the opera and the library work a lot less. That shows that the building is also built with the environment in mind. We are no experts on this subject so we cant tell you exactly how it works but Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation (SNCCF) is a modern building and structure with all that that means.
If you feel to get to a green area and relax this is a good place to come to. It is centrally located and it is free of charge.
