How about stepping into a world where old meets new? I am talking about the National Museum of Contemporary Art. It is known as EMST. This museum stands as a testament to Athens’ evolving cultural landscape.
EMST is the leading national institution for contemporary art in Greece. It is a flagship institution in Southern Europe. EMST also holds importance in the Eastern Mediterranean. The National Museum of Contemporary Art began its journey in 2000. For years, it wandered through Athens. It was hosted by the Athens Concert Hall and the Athens Conservatoire. EMST finally found a home in the former Fix brewery.
The Fix brewery itself is an Athenian landmark. It is an industrial modernist building. The building was retrofitted to meet the needs of a modern art museum. In 2015, the National Museum of Contemporary Art moved to its new premises. Part of its collection was installed. EMST finally opened its doors to the public in 2020.
EMST collects and preserves Greek and international contemporary art. It documents and researches visual culture. The museum promotes education in contemporary visual arts. EMST aims to raise awareness about critical trends in current art. The National Museum of Contemporary Art wants to promote artistic innovation. It commissions and produces works in all media.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art offers many opportunities. The public can interact with contemporary art. This happens through exhibitions and publications. EMST also provides education and public programmes. These programmes are free. EMST promotes Greek contemporary artistic production. It connects the domestic art community. The museum connects it with international professionals. This is done through the International Curators Visiting Programme.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art also connects international artists to Greece. This is through its Residency Programme. EMST supports emerging artists and curators. It offers them professional support through its Mentorship Programme.
The Greek government invested 40 million euros in the museum. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation gave a further 3 million euros. In 2022, EMST received a significant donation. The D. Daskalopoulos Collection Gift included 140 contemporary art pieces.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art includes a library. It also holds archives related to contemporary Greek art. These were granted by Greek artists and galleries. The archives contain catalogs, books, and exhibition invitations. There is audiovisual material and texts by artists. You can also find correspondence, critiques, and biographical data.
The National Museum of Contemporary Art is more than a museum. It represents the exchange of ideas through contemporary art. It enriches the daily lives of the public. It enhances the experience of visitors. As you explore its halls reflect on the power of art. See how it challenges, inspires, and connects us all.