Gennadius Library, Research library in Kolonaki, Athens, Greece
The Gennadius Library is a research facility in the Kolonaki neighborhood holding over 110,000 volumes about Greek history, literature, and art from ancient times to the present day. The collection includes rare manuscripts, engravings, and maps alongside its main book collection.
The neoclassical building was constructed in 1926 to house the extensive collection of diplomat Ioannis Gennadios, which initially contained around 26,000 volumes. The Carnegie Corporation funded the project to establish a major research center for Greek studies.
The library holds rare manuscripts, watercolors, and historical maps that document Greek civilization and its many periods of creativity. Visitors walking through the reading rooms encounter evidence of Greece's artistic and intellectual contributions.
The library opens Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 4:45 PM, Thursday until 7:45 PM, and Saturday until 1:45 PM. Since this is a research-focused facility, it is wise to plan your visit in advance if you want to consult specific collections or materials.
The building was designed by American architects John Van Pelt and Stuart Thompson and incorporates classical temple elements in its structure. Mediterranean gardens surround the facility, creating a peaceful retreat within the urban setting of Athens.
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