Who says you need to pay for culture and entertainment? Athens is abuzz with free things to see and do courtesy of municipalities, embassies and businesses. Look carefully and you’ll find free museum openings and gift performances. There are Workers Clubs and municipal movie nights and entire courses that help you get acquainted with a number of hobbies from photography to Greek dancing. Below are just four of the many cultural offerings available right now:
STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER
WHEN: Always
WHERE: Evripidou and Syngrou Avenue, Kallithea
Enjoy everything from free movie nights, guided tours, yoga and pilates, children’s workshops and anything else your heart desires, courtesy of Stavros Niarchos. The modern-day agora is a 170,000 sq. meter park filled with cultural opportunities. Despite the fact that the facilities are of top-notch quality, the SNFCC is hardly elitist and offers free fun for all. In October there is an aerobics program for adults (7 p.m.-9 p.m., through to October 14); Yoga in the park (various times, through to Oct. 14); adult flexibility and recovery exercises (through to October 14); a running program for children designed by scientists (through to October 14); sailing the canal (through to October 15), etc. CLICK HERE to check out their program for various free activities that are posted all the time.
POLITICAL TOURS
The 27-acre garden of the Presidential Mansion is now open to the public every Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (excluding public holidays). Entrance, via 2 Vas. Georgiou B’ Street, is free. Priority will be maintained by order of arrival. Call +30 210-728-3289 and +30 24 939 210-72. While there, CLICK HERE to arrange a visit to Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square.
ORIGAMI-MAKING
WHEN: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., October 17 and 25
WHERE: Japanese Embassy (46 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, Halandri)
The Japanese Embassy opens its doors with origami workshops by origami master Sonoko Fujii. After a successful workshop on October 5, there will be two more on October 17 (for experts) and October 17 (beginners). Call +30 210.670.9900, +30.210.670.9901, e-mail: embjapan@at.mofa.go.jp
10th INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL IN ATHENS
WHEN: Daily at 6 p.m., OCT 17-23
WHERE: 48 Vas. Konstandinou Street, Pangrati Tel. +30 210.727.3700
Notable documentaries, more than 70 international participators, covering a wide range of scientific fields and themes such as: Science, Medical Sciences, Biology and Genetics, Astronomy, Environmental Sciences, New Technologies, History and Art, History of Science and Technology.
Since 2006, the festival also includes many side events such as lectures, student screenings, exhibitions, co-organized lectures with universities and partnerships with major research centers in Greece and abroad. This year’s side focus is on environmental issues and climate change.
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