Herakleidon, Experience in Visual Arts
Herakleidon 16, Thissio
118 51 Athens, Greece
(Metro station: Thissio)
T: +30 210 34 61 981
F: +30 210 34 58 225
info@herakleidon-art.gr
Museum Hours
Tue-Sat 13:00-21:00
Sun 11:00-19:00
Monday - closed
Museum Admission
General admission: 6€
Students & persons over 65: 4€
Children up to 12: Free
Groups: Upon appointment
All M.C. Escher works © The M.C. Escher Company B.V. - Baarn - the NETHERLANDS
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 The Museum "Herakleidon, Experience in Visual Arts" is housed in a building dating back to 1898 (the same year that M.C. Escher was born), a striking example of neoclassical architecture and one of the few remaining in Athens.
Although badly damaged by the many earthquakes it has withstood, this neoclassic building was completely restored, renovated and designed according to the highest standards.
The facade of the historic building was renovated in the 1990's following a government decree.
In keeping with its function as a museum, the most up-to-date security, protection and display systems have been installed. Lighting with optical fibers, temperature and humidity controls, and proper visitor circulation meet the most exacting museum specifications.
There were two separate buildings, each at a slightly different level: an L-shaped one, at the front and side of the courtyard, and another at the back. They were joined, carefully renovated and transformed into this beautiful exhibition space. The result of the joining process is a two floor exhibition complex that is in the shape of a "U" with total available surface of approximately 700 m2.
 
The unique shape of the building creates a traditional Athenian style atrium. The bricks that form part of the courtyard floor are from an old wall of the house, while the irregular marble slabs that cover the other half of the courtyard floor, as well as the outdoor corridor, are the original patio covering.
 
The well in the courtyard is the original one and still has water. Once city water was provided, the family used it to chill their watermelons!
The facade was carefully restored and all windows and shutters repaired and kept in place.
The gray and black tiles in the entrance are the original ones, but the ochre tiles are new.
 
From the street level of Herakleidon, there is access to the Museum Gift Shop, which has a wide selection of collectables inspired by the art of M.C. Escher.
A 40-person capacity projection room, accessible from both the shop and atrium, is ideal for playing documentaries and holding discussions as part of the Educational Program.
 
The following milestones have been achieved...
July 2000
The search for a suitable building is on. Several options are evaluated, all within walking distance from the Acropolis.
November 2000
Negotiations start for the purchase of the building.
January 2001
The purchase is concluded.
March 2001
Building's structural review is completed. Architectural study begins.
August 2001
Architectural plans submitted.
Submit completed architectural study to Ministry of the Interior. The plans must be approved by the Archaeological Society and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Monuments (both are government agencies) before the renovation and building permits are submitted. The approval process usually requires six months, excluding the month of August when most agencies are closed.
September 2002
One year later the renovation plans are approved. Opening date is postponed to summer 2004, just in time for the Olympics. We begin renovations.
December 2002
The interior of the building is gutted. All original materials are preserved for re-installation after new floors are built.
March 2003
Everything is removed and goes out of the windows, including the windows and the walls that held them.
 
June 2003
All the concrete floors have been poured. Inside work begins in earnest.
 
September 2003
Plumbing and electrical installations underway. Major issues must be addressed because of the building's age and its classification as a historic landmark. Creative thinking and very skilful workers help circumvent these daily problems.
 
December 2003
The building begins to take shape although the last floor of the back section is still missing. Deadlines are approaching fast. The scheduled opening day is set for July 13th, 2004, one month before the Olympics.
March 2004
Floor tiles are in. Electrical wiring is in but not connected. The last floor is built and stairs are being installed. All the building has been plastered by hand and is ready for painting. The courtyard is not done and there are no windows.
 
May 2004
All the windows have been installed and the building is being painted. The Museum Shop is ready to accept the furniture and the courtyard is being transformed from a work area into a tranquil atrium. The kitchen equipment has been installed and the last plan for the final setting up of the exhibition takes place.
July 2004
All the workers have finished and the exhibition space is ready. The final touches have been done in relation to the hanging of the artwork and the fibre optic lighting is installed.
"The Museum opens with great success!"
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Send an e-card of one of the unique items in our museum
 go to e-cards
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Herakleidon