Athens, Greece is probably best known for its ancient sites like the Acropolis and for being a starting point for any number of island hopping excursions. But there’s another more current and vibrant reason to pay this age old city a visit – it’s home to one of Europe’s most active street art scenes. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the main reasons that the city is such a hub for amazing urban art.
Athens Street Art Festival
With events featuring the artwork of more than 70 Greek artists and more than 40 international artists, the ASAF is the biggest festival of its kind anywhere and runs a “series of citywide exhibitions, events, performances, interventions, debates and workshops surrounding current trends and movements in street artpractice.” For dates and details, go to athensaf.eu.
Street Art Tours
Probably the best way to ensure you see the hottest pieces in town is to book a guided tour. Two reputable groups that offer street art tours are “tailor-made travel experience providers” Athens Insiders and “better way to travel” experts at Dopios. Visit athensinsiders.com and dopios.com for more info.
Silver 925
Located on hip and happening Melanthiou Street, Silver 925 is your one stop shop for all things street art and graffiti. Whether you’re shopping for your own art supplies, looking for unique art or souvenirs, or just wanting to soak up a bit of underground atmosphere, this cool little basement retailer is the ideal setting to learn about the local see. Find out more at graffitishop.gr.
gallery@sarri12
gallery@sarri12 is a “meeting point for street artists and those that love the street art of Athens.” It’s a rather large gallery situated in one of the city’s most popular areas for such art and represents local heroes such as Sonke, Cacao Rocks, thisisopium, yiakou, zofos, and fotizontas. Details at sarri12.com.
