Hellenic Cosmos
Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW)

Hellenic Cosmos, the innovative and multifunctional cultural centre of the Foundation of the Hellenic World (FHW) is housed in the former Viosol factory at 254, Pireos Street. The building was designed by the architect Solon Kidoniatis. It was completed on 28 October 1940 in an industrial area that was then outside the city.

During World War II, the building was requisitioned by the army and it was not until 1947 that it returned to civilian use when a pipe manufacturing company took it over. In 1996 it was acquired by the FHW, redesigned and opened as a cultural centre in March 1998. Today Hellenic Cosmos is not confined to this building but extends into the area behind the former factory which in previous decades was occupied by small, artisan workshops. The area is gradually being transformed from a light industrial suburb into an area of cultural development.

Hellenic Cosmos houses unique virtual reality systems designed for the research and promotion of cultural heritage where representations of ancient Greek monuments and cities are on display. At the same time, exhibitions on Greek history and culture as well as special educational programs are organized.

The Foundation of the Hellenic World is a privately funded, non-profit cultural institution. The Foundation uses state-of-the art, cutting edge information and computer technology in its pursuit of the research, awareness and understanding of Hellenic history and culture.

The cultural centre, also known as the “Hellenic Cosmos”, is housed on a former 25.000m² industrial plot that eventually will be extended to some 60.000m². The centerpiece attraction of the cultural centre is the Kivotos (ancient Greek for wooden chest), a spectacular virtual reality environment in which visitors actively participate in the journey by wearing stereoscopic 3D glasses and using a magic "wand". The virtual reality areas offer a unique experience. Ancient cities and monuments that have been completely destroyed come to life before your very eyes with the help of technology exactly as they were in the past.

The Olympic Games in ancient Greece, cities of antiquity that no longer exist, journey of the Greeks through space and time bring to light well known and unknown aspects of the history of Hellenism by means of the film productions in the multifunctional theatre. The exhibition areas also include a selection of Hellenic traditional costumes and a chronological display of Greek history.

The Cyber Hall, in innovative Internet café dedicated to Greek history, also functions here while the museum shop offers, among other articles, all the Foundation’s productions. At 38, Poulopoulou Street in Thissio, a former mid-war hat factory that was once used as a technical school, a restaurant and a bar, today is home to FHW’s creative and research department with offices, a library and special digital laboratories for 3D graphics and representations, virtual reality systems, multimedia and digital cartography.

This museum is more than worthwhile visiting. Children, as well as adults, will have a great time there.

Opening hours and admission
254 Pireos Street, Tavros
Kallithea or Tavros