A Tribute to Belle Époque Athens

What did Athens look like a hundred years ago? In lack of a time-machine, consider this the next best thing for a glimpse at the city’s past; the exhibition A Tribute to Belle Époque Athens at the Melina Mercouri Cultural Centre. This tribute highlights the work of Miltos Lidorikis, a renowned playwright and politician of the early 20th century, and is based on his book I lived in Athens of the Belle Époque. The photo and manuscript exhibition focuses on Athens during the period starting in 1871, all the way to the beginning of WWI while exploring different aspects of society: architecture, commuting, fashion, entertainment and culture. Lidorikis vividly depicts a bygone era before technological advancements shaped the city, and brings forth stories of people from all walks of life. 

While there, learn more about the history of the Melina Mercouri Cultural Centre, which was built in 1886 and used to be the Ilias Poulopoulos hat factory. You can also explore its permanent exhibitions: the Haridimos Shadow Puppet Museum and a diorama of Athens in the early 20th century, the latter adding a tactile perspective to the Tribute.