The most iconic works of art in Athens hotels

From classic pieces to edgy artworks, meet the fine art of Greek hospitality

With its gastronomy game going strong, featuring renowned chefs, fresh openings and a new era in the street food culture, Athens is making waves as the new destination for foodies around the world. But, art has been a part of the Greek culture since forever, finding its way into the present day through a blooming art scene with galleries and art spaces constantly popping up in all the hype areas. As a key element in the Greek DNA, art is also echoed in the concept of Greek hospitality. Some of the most iconic hotels in Athens feature extraordinary works of art, enriching the visitors’ stay with an extra layer of aesthetics. Below, read about some of the best art in Athens hotels.

The most iconic works of art in Athens hotels:

Grand Hyatt and The Coin installation

The Coin at the lobby

The first thing that strikes the visitor, upon entering the Grand Hyatt Athens, is The Coin, an installation which is made of ancient Athenian Glafka replica coins, the ones used in ancient Athens in the period of its supremacy in the 5th century. This modern, classic big-city-hotel also features elegant retro furniture, like the art deco armchairs as long as photographs, paintings and sculptures by young but established local artists.

Athens Capital M-Gallery and the Mappemonde

Located in the heart of Athens, the first MGallery hotel in Greece is all about art and architecture. Paintings and fancy objects can be found in every corner but the show stopper piece is undoubtedly the Mappemonde installation, a stunning collection by George Lappas which was created in 1988 and includes 3.000 pieces, many of which have been staged throughout the hotel. Its most impressive part graces the Mappemonde Rooftop Pool Bar with a stunning panoramic view of Athens.

Electra Metropolis and the Fassianos painting

The work of art by Alekos Fassianos at the lobby

A unique work by the Greek painter Alekos Fasianos showing silver pigeons soaring in the blue Greek sky that is seen in the atrium and “runs” up to the 10th floor of this elegant athenian hotel.

Hilton Athens and the Mural by Yiannis Moralis

As one of the signature buildings of the architectural aesthetics in Greece during the 60s, Hilton Athens features some strong Greek elements, such as Pentelic marble and the monumental mural of the façade by Yannis Moralis, one of the most important 20th-century Greek artists. Moralis drew inspiration from ancient Greek motifs and presented a minimalistic, abstract and elegant work of art that matches the aura of this all time classic Athenian hotel. It is also one of the most recognizable works of art in Athens.

AthensWas Hotel and the photographs of Stefanos Samios

While staying at one of the best design boutique hotels of Athens, which features a terrace restaurant with a stunning Acropolis view, it is hard for anything to rival it. However, AthensWas interiors are filled with edgy design pieces and fancy deco items making for a sophisticated and fresh look. The breathtaking black and white photographs of National Archaeological Museum exhibits, shot by Stefanos Samios, which liberally dotted throughout the hotel, tell the story of what Athens was, what Athens is and what Athens could be.

King George and its unique lobby art

Dating back to 1930 and located in the centre of Athens, the 5-star King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel not only represents the absolute essence of a fascinating boutique hotel in the heart of the city, but it also encapsulates the finest sense of fine art and elegance. Its lobby is home to a stunning art collection. Behind the majestic pillars, and in every hidden corner, you can see a selection of carefully chosen paintings of truly outstanding quality.

The centerpiece of the whole collection is a distinct portrait of David Bowie by British artist Joe Black. This experimental work in the pop art genre is made of test tubes filled with pigments. Other masterpieces include landscapes and cityscapes by a variety of famed artists.

Hotel Grande Bretagne and its unique collection

Perianth Hotel and the celebration of contemporary Greek art

Contemporary works of art are everywhere in Athens

Housed in a mid-war modern building, Perianth Hotel is a haven of modern design in the historic center of Athens. Art is simply everywhere since the hotel gives its guests the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the art scene in Greece today. Curated artworks by contemporary Greek artists (such as Lito Kattou, Rallou Panagiotou and Maria Papadimitriou) are on proud display both in the rooms and the public spaces.

If rooftop moments are part of your travel ritual, these hotels with rooftop views in Athens offer some of the city’s most memorable perspectives.