Peiraios Industrial Complex to Become Athens’ New Cultural Hub

An impression of the new Peiraios 260 industrial complex. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Greek Culture Ministry is moving forward with a new collaboration to renovate the Peiraios 260 industrial complex, aiming to transform it into a premier cultural hub in Athens.

Also known as the Tsaousoglou industrial complex, the site was sold to the Greek Culture Ministry by the National Bank of Greece for 12.3 euros million. Recognized as a landmark of Greece’s industrial development in the 20th century, the complex formerly housed the Tsaousoglou Office Furniture Factory and now serves as the main venue for the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival.

Building on the complex’s legacy, the ministry has partnered with Piraeus Bank to implement the “Peiraios for Peiraios” program, which includes restoration and reuse studies to establish the site as a venue for exhibitions, conferences, performances, and cultural and artistic events.

“The restoration of the Tsaousoglou Industrial Complex is creating a new cultural hub,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during the presentation of their partnership. “This project will serve as a model for showcasing our cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way.”

A Sustainability-driven project

Photo source: Culture Ministry

With a 1 million euros donation from Piraeus Bank, the studies were approved by the Central Council for Modern Monuments in 2024 and outline the restoration of 27,000 square meters of facilities within the 6.9-acre complex at 260 Peiraios Street.

According to the minister, the new buildings will cover 24,500 square meters following the demolition of unauthorized structures. Meanwhile, unbuilt spaces, currently 8,890 square meters, will expand to 13,360 square meters, preserving the complex’s industrial style.

Utilizing solar and geothermal energy, the project will prioritize landscaping, water management, energy independence, and sustainable flooring materials, following the principles of landscape ecology, biodiversity, resilience, and the creation of sustainable ecosystems.

Peiraios 260: A meeting point for museums

Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Peiraios 260 complex will host cultural institutions such as the Theater Museum, the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments “Foivos Anogianakis” and the Museum of the History of Greek Costume of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women.

Additionally, it will continue to serve as a venue for the Athens Epidaurus Festival, while Building A has already been allocated to the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development (HOCRED). The organization will also oversee the development of a refreshment area, restaurant, shop, and reception and ticketing area.

According to the ministry, the upcoming cultural complex will feature innovative infrastructure and technologies, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency while also creating new jobs and boosting the local economy.

“We are making a bold intervention in the urban fabric and the image of the capital, significantly enhancing the cultural identity of the Piraeus Street axis,” Lina Mendoni added.