Stathatos Mansion, Neoclassical mansion in central Athens, Greece
The Stathatos Mansion is a neoclassical residence in central Athens featuring two symmetrical wings connected by an entrance hall with a cylindrical atrium. Tuscan columns support the roof, which is crowned by eight vaults that give the structure its distinctive appearance.
Ernst Ziller designed this mansion in 1895 as a private home for the Stathatos family, who owned it until 1938. It then served as a space for various diplomatic missions before eventually becoming part of a museum.
Since 1991 the mansion has housed the Museum of Cycladic Art, which opened there on 20 January 1986 under Melina Mercouri's approval. The collection had held legal status since 1962, under King Paul. Visitors pass through Ziller's entrance hall to reach the exhibits.
The residence is located at the intersection of Vasilissis Sofias and Irodotou streets with multiple entrances for visitors to use. It is well served by public transportation and sits in a central neighborhood with several other historic buildings nearby.
The Athens 1996 Olympic bid committee had its headquarters in the mansion. After the 1982 state purchase, architect Pavlos M. Kalligas restored it as a guesthouse for official visitors, but it was judged unfit for that role and handed to the Cycladic Art Museum in 1991.
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