The Museum Herakleidon has been bringing art, education, and culture to the general public since 2004. It aspires to help prepare young people, both intellectually and emotionally, to face the growing demands of our world, both today and tomorrow. The inspiration for this endeavor comes from the founders Paul and Anna-Belinda Firos.
During the first decade of its operation (2004-2014), the museum focused on the fine arts (“Experience in Visual Arts”) and to this end organized exhibitions of the works of important artists (M.C. Escher, Victor Vasarely, Carol Wax, Constantine Xenakis, Adolf Luther, Francesco Scavullo, Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, Edvard Munch, Sol LeWitt et al.). At the same time, a variety of cultural happenings (seminars, workshops, musical and literary events et al.) enabled visitors to experience directly the essence of the creators’ vision.
Today the Museum Herakleidon has evolved into an interactive center for popularized science. Based on its philosophy of “Science, Art, and Mathematics”, it continues to provide original educational programs for students, teachers and adults at its main building (Herakleidon 16, Thissio), as well as exhibitions of art and popularized science at its annex (Ap.Pavlou 37, Thissio).
In the framework of this philosophy, the new, permanent interactive exhibition ”I Play and Understand”, at the main building of the museum, invites children and adults to come into contact with science, art, and mathematics, through creative play with judiciously chosen and designed interactive exhibits. 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.
Main building:
16 Herakleidon Str, Thissio
118 51 Athens, Greece
T: +30 210 34 61 981
F: +30 210 34 58 225
E: info@herakleidon-art.gr
Annex:
37 Apostolou Pavlou Str, Thissio
118 51 Athens, Greece
T: +30 211 012 6486
E: annex@herakleidon-art.gr
