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The creation of the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music was an important development in the cultural life of Athens. Founded by Basil and Marina Theocharakis in 2004 as a public benefit foundation instituted by Presidential Decree, it is located opposite the Parliament, in the heart of the cultural, political and commercial centre of the Greek capital, on the corner of Vassilissis Sofias Avenue and Merlin Street.

The Foundation has at its disposal over 470m2 of open plan exhibition spaces and a 175 seat amphitheatre. A café-restaurant, museum shop and foyer with exhibition and display facilities will also be open to the public. A media and data-base access service will be available for those wishing to make the Foundation a part of their research activities.

The Foundation’s Mission is to engage the public in an interdisciplinary contact with Greek and international visual arts and music, chiefly, though not exclusively of the 20th and 21st centuries and to disseminate the contents of its actions as broadly as possible using modern media. Another fundamental aspect is the Foundation’s openness to joint projects and synergies with other institutions both within Greece and abroad, either through exchange activities, the building of network projects or co-productions

True to its mission, The B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation presents a rich program of events including both large (thematic or retrospective) and smaller individual exhibitions, recitals, seminars, workshops, educational programs, lectures. One of the main dimensions of the program is its interdisciplinary approach, so as to present the visual arts, architecture and music in the full richness of their relation to other disciplines and fields of research.

In the Foundation’s Art Shop, the visitor can find books, prints, decorative works of art, jewelry, accessories as well as objects inspired by the Foundation’s permanent collection.

Starting out with exclusive collaborations, both with Greek and European artists, the foundation shop aims to promote artists and to produce affordable but unique objects. The large selection of objets d’art, sculptures and micro sculptures is ideal not only for the individual visitor but also as exclusive business gifts for large companies

For the young visitors there is a series of educational games, books, posters and creative kits that will satisfy even the most demanding amongst them. Particular attention has been given to the educational kits for all ages as well as the materials from which they are manufactured to be both environmentally friendly and recyclable.    

Finally the Café Merlin, located on the 1st floor of the Foundation, with its refined yet friendly atmosphere and its pleasant view onto the greenery of the National Garden and the bustling Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, is a meeting point not only for the visitors to the art spaces or amphitheatre, but also for the many professionals and shoppers who spend their day in the city centre. It features an original selection of dishes, prepared with the best ingredients, which reflect an overall Mediterranean theme.