Art Athina 2025 will take place from September 18-22 in Zappeion Mansion in the heart of Athens, bringing together the regional and international art community for a vibrant celebration of contemporary art. One of the oldest art fairs in Europe, Art Athina has been active since its establishment by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association in 1993. Meanwhile having developed into one of the most established art fairs in Southeastern Europe, it offers a dynamic platform for galleries, artists, collectors, and institutions.
In the recent years, not only Athens seems to be one of the most vibrant cities in Europe but also Art Athina has firmly established itself as one of the most influential art fairs in Southeastern Europe—a cultural platform that bridges the local and international contemporary art scenes. At the core of this evolving institution is a commitment to celebrating artistic innovation while honoring Greece’s rich cultural legacy.
Marilena Koutsoukou, Development Director, brings strategic insight and a deep understanding of the art world, and strengthens the fair’s evolving character—together with the Art Athina team. As Art Athina prepares for its upcoming edition this September, we sat down with Marilena to talk about the fair’s evolution, the buzz of opening day, and what makes Art Athina a must-attend event for galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike. Seems we all need to book our trip straight away…
Why we all need to travel together to Art Athina Fair this September:
Because Athens in September is electrifying. The city pulses with energy, and Art Athina is right at the heart of it. The fair brings together an extraordinary mix of established and emerging voices, local and international galleries, and a uniquely Greek spirit. It’s more than a fair — it’s a celebration of what’s happening and what’s next in contemporary art, all in one of the world’s most historic and vibrant cities. You don’t just see the art — you live it.
Everyone seems to talk about the art and creative scene in Athens these days – how come?
Athens has become one of Europe’s most exciting cultural destinations. There’s a rawness and immediacy to the creativity here — fueled by a younger generation of artists, independent spaces, and a city that’s reinventing itself while honoring its deep heritage. The affordability, openness, and international attention have created fertile ground for experimentation and growth. It’s not a hype — it’s happening.
#careerpath: How did your art career and your work for Art Athina start?
My path began with a deep love for art through my father’s collection and a belief in its power to shape discourse and community. But Qatar is where everything started for me. I’ve worked across art advisory and curation, always with an eye on how to connect artists, galleries, and audiences in meaningful ways. Joining Art Athina was a natural step — it’s a fair with a long legacy, but also one that’s evolving with vision and purpose. Helping drive that forward has been a great joy.
What’s the highlight of your art world year?
Without a doubt, the opening of Art Athina. It’s the culmination of months of work — curating, planning, connecting. Seeing the halls come to life with galleries, collectors arriving, artists mingling, and conversations sparking — it’s a moment of intense pride and a reminder of why we do what we do. This year, I’m particularly excited about our Art Athina Art for Tomorrow Talks Powered by ΤΑΤΟΪ Club. It’s an initiative that brings together leading voices from the global cultural sphere — artists, curators, collectors, and thinkers — in a public conversation about the role of art in shaping tomorrow’s world. Hosting this in Athens, at the intersection of heritage and innovation, makes it especially powerful.
Elevator pitch: Why should a gallery consider signing up for Art Athina?
Art Athina offers more than booth space — it offers deep access to a dynamic and growing regional market, and the chance to connect with a culturally engaged, international audience in a city that’s both historic and forward-looking. The fair is strategically positioned as a cultural bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. We offer galleries a vibrant, high-quality platform to engage with new collectors, curators, and thought leaders. With a newly strengthened VIP program and growing institutional interest, it’s a smart move for any gallery looking to connect beyond the usual circuit.
What to expect from the upcoming fair edition? Focus topics, new formats,etc.
A more ambitious and curated experience. We’re introducing:
- A beautiful and enhanced design section.
- Art Athina Art for Tomorrow Talks Powered by ΤΑΤΟΪ Club — a series of thought-provoking discussions around art, identity, and global change.
- A strengthened VIP Program with exclusive previews, collection visits, and high- level networking opportunities.
What are 3 art world hot spots not to miss in Athens?
- Acropolis Museum and NEON’s Allspice exhibition, pairing Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures
- The DESTE Foundation at the Slaughterhouse in Hydra (just a short trip away) — a summer-to-early-fall must for contemporary provocations in a poetic setting.
- EMST- the Contemporary Art Museum, housed in a converted brewery, it
showcases Greek and international artists with a focus on contemporary thought.
What’s essential to pack and plan for a fair trip to Athens in September?
Sunglasses, lightweight clothes for warm days, a light jacket for evenings, and very comfortable shoes — you’ll want to walk! Make time for both the fair and the city: from ancient ruins to seaside dinners, Athens rewards exploration. And don’t forget sunscreen — even in September, the Greek sun is powerful.
Best place for successful client lunch?
Gallina in Koukaki – fine dining with a genuine connection between art and gastronomy.
Birdman in Syntagma — it’s where art world conversations unfold over izakaya-style plates,
curated drinks, and a cool downtown vibe.
Side note: The best? TheArtGorgeous is planning a little community trip to Art Athina this September! While you read this, we just work on the most exciting program for this journey. Stay tuned or email us to [email protected] to request further details.
