Athens other ACTIVITIES
 THE CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ATHENS

The Cultural Organization is the official organization of the City of Athens. It deals with cultural issues and expresses the cultural policy of the municipal authorities.




With its many functions and responsibilities, the Cultural Organization plays a vital and complex role in a city alive with cultural and artistic events. Apart from the important activities it organizes, it represents Athens -- and often the rest of Greece -- at cultural events abroad. It also endeavours to bring cultural activities to its fourteen centers located throughout the city, offering those citizens who so desire an opportunity for self-expression.

For the Organization to fulfill its purpose, however, it is essential that citizens of and visitors to Athens become acquainted with its various buildings and facilities, which include exhibition and lecture halls, a theater, an art gallery, libraries, museums and workshops.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Among the Cultural Organization's activities, exhibitions with historical content documenting the evolution of Hellenism occupy an important role. Under the general title "Universal Hellenism", the exhibitions "Hellenism in England" and "The Benefactors of Athens" have taken place. The topics of Hellenism in France and in Egypt will be explored in other major exhibitions being planned for the near future. There is also an exhibition on "Rigas Ferraios" Rigas Ferraios, a hero from the Greek War of Independence.

All exhibitions on historical topics are furnished with photographic material, original works of art and ample historical displays and are always supplemented with richly illustrated albums and catalogues.

The Cultural Organization attaches particular importance to its presence abroad. As a result, it participates in various international cultural activities -- one of the most significant of these being "The Cultural Capitals of Europe" event that is held in a different European city every year.

Some of the Cultural Organization's most spectacular exhibitions to have travelled abroad include "Athens: 5000 Years of History" (Madrid, 1992), a major photographic exhibition documenting Athens' evolution through the years as well as the Municipalitys's vision for its future and "Ancient Greek Theater and its Influence on Europe" (Antwerp, 1993), a series of cultural events including exhibitions, theatrical and dance performances, workshops, films, etc.