City of Athens Technopolis

Technopolis - Municipal Enterprise for the Protection and Promotion of the Athens Gazi Industrial Archaeological Park

Address: 100 Pireos St, 11854 Athens

Telephone: 210 3461589, 210 3467322

Fax: 210 3413228

E-mail: info@athens-technopolis.gr

Today Technopolis is not only an industrial museum of incomparable architecture, but also one of the most modern multipurpose cultural spaces in all of Europe, that has assisted in the upgrading of an historic Athens district and the creation of yet another positive element in Athens' cultural identity.

In operation since 1999, Technopolis is dedicated to the memory of the unforgettable composer Manos Hadjidakis. In honour of Greek poetry, eight of the buildings on the site bear the name of great Greek poets. Its trademark is the innovative "Millennium Sphere" sculpture, by artists Nikos and Yiorgos Papoutsidis, which portrays the globe surrounded by olive branches, symbolising the wish and hope that peace and humanity will prevail throughout the world.

It is housed in the city's former gasworks that was founded in 1857, on a site known as Gazi spanning some 3 hectares, next to the Kerameikos area and in close proximity to the Acropolis. The gasworks was gradually transformed into an education centre and host venue for various events (music, arts, theatre, poetry, dance, assemblies, seminars, business and technology presentations). Visitors have the opportunity to take a stroll through the site filled with images, knowledge and emotions. The charm of a bygone area, conveyed through stacks, enormous cauldrons (gasometers), chimneys and ovens, "conspires" with reverence to establish the site as a "factory" for the protection and production of art. Etymologically, the word "gas" (derived from the ancient German galist, later geist) means spirit.

The people who staff Technopolis aim to highlight new trends and modern art forms. Hundreds of events have been staged on the premises since May 1999, including: Exhibitions of visual art, Sculpture, Photography, Video-art and Technology; Conferences; Seminars: International Festivals; Concerts; Theatre and Dance performances; Forums on employment and entrepreneurship; Educational programmes; Product presentations, etc.

Collaborative Agencies: Ministries, Public Organisations, Embassies, Cultural Institutes, Chambers, Charities, Businesses, Advertising Companies, Production Companies, etc.