Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas Gallery
In the Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas gallery, visitors can explore
the great painter’s work and background. Nikos was born
to a noble family in Athens in 1906 and he became a leading figure
in modern Greek art. His work was influenced by cubism but he
developed a personal, post-cubic, sensitive and lyrical style.
He was a recognized and successful artist both in Greece and abroad.
From
the 1930s, he was a professor at the Athens Technical University
(School of Architecture) and a
member of the Academy of Athens and the Royal Academy of Arts
in London. His works can be admired in the most important museums
and private collections all over the world.
By
donating his house and collection to the Benaki Museum, Nikos
Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas ensured that the public would have the opportunity
to know and admire his work. The gallery opened in 1991, three
years prior to his dead and was designed by the artist himself.
It is located in the hearth of Athens, in a fourth-floor apartment
on Kriezotou Street where the painter spent forty years of his
life.
The
building, which was privately owned by the painter, was built
in 1932 by the architect Konstantinos Kitsikis and it is typical
of Athenian architecture between the two world wars. The top floor
was added under the personal supervision of the artist who used
it as an atelier and library. All the rooms have been preserved
exactly as he arranged and decorated them.
The
permanent exhibition includes works that represent the various
styles he experimented with and, more importantly, the oil paintings
he created between 1930 and 1990. Watercolor paintings, drawings
and models for theatrical sets as well as costumes, books and
manuscripts add to the collection. Ghikas also worked as a sculptor,
particularly in the years 1940-70. His small copper sculptures,
inspired by Greek mythology, are also on display.
Other
important parts of the gallery’s collection are the artist’s
photographic material and art books. Temporary exhibitions are
also set-up in the gallery, highlighting different aspects of
the artist’s work
Opening hours and admission
1, Koumbari Street & Vasillissis. Sofias Avenue
Syntagma
or Evangelismos
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