Modern Architectural Marvel: Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens

The Museum of Contemporary Art B&E Goulandris project, designed by the VIKELAS ARCHITECTS architectural studio, is a remarkable endeavor that combines the restoration of a listed neoclassical building with the creation of a contemporary addition. Situated on a corner plot in Athens, Greece, this museum aims to serve as a significant international attraction. The project encompasses a diverse range of functions, including exhibition spaces, educational venues, a library, a lecture hall, a video room, and a children's workshop. Additionally, a café-restaurant is conveniently placed near the entrance, providing access to the open-air protected courtyard.

The museum's layout revolves around a central staircase, which introduces natural lighting through glass elevators. From the third floor upwards, the spaces are organized along two axes, converging at the vertical circulation core. This core serves as a prominent focal point, adorned with concealed lighting and a skylight. The first and second floors showcase foreign artists' masterpieces, while the third and fourth floors house works from the Greek collection. Furthermore, the first basement level houses a gallery dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Constructing the museum posed several challenges. The site's position, characterized by narrow sidewalks, a trolley line, and an inclined footwalk, limited the available construction space. Additionally, the excavation required depths of 20 to 27 meters. The Ministry of Culture's requirement to preserve the historic shell's back-of-house walls added further complexity. To overcome these obstacles, a spatial metal frame was structured in phases, supporting the retaining shell's walls and accommodating the excavation slope.

The design of the elevations aimed to address the extension's significant height and achieve visual abstraction within the aesthetically overloaded urban environment. The listed neoclassical building remains the focal point, while the new addition is recessed, creating a distinct volume with a contemporary morphological vocabulary. The new shell is adorned with ochre Edessa limestone panels, arranged in horizontal alternating zones of two different heights and finishes. These panels, chosen for their minimalistic style, establish a dialogue with the preserved shell and emphasize the building's public character. Some panels incorporate linear recesses, acting as clerestory windows to allow natural light into the exhibition areas, while others transform into thin beams that indicate the presence of the circulation core.

The Museum of Contemporary Art B&E Goulandris project is a testament to the successful fusion of historic preservation and modern architectural design. With its diverse functions and unique content, this museum is poised to become a major international attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.

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