Rentis mansion, Protected mansion from the interwar period in Athens, Greece
The Rentis mansion stands at the corner of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and Merlin Street, next to the Italian and French embassies. Built in 1928, it is an eclectic building with Art Nouveau elements and features of the Otto Wagner school. It has served as the headquarters and exhibition space of the Theocharakis Foundation since late 2007.
Greek architect Vassilios Tsagris designed the building in 1928 for Konstantinos Rentis, a Greek diplomat and politician. The property underwent extensive renovation and reopened in 2007 as a cultural foundation, fundamentally transforming its purpose.
Since late 2007 the building has housed the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation, which uses it for art exhibitions and cultural events. The foundation bought the mansion in 2005 and restored it before opening. The building stands next to the Italian and French embassies on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
The mansion stands at the corner where Merlin Street meets Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, next to the Italian and French embassies, a short walk from Syntagma Square. Since late 2007 the Theocharakis Foundation uses it as its headquarters and exhibition venue; check the foundation's own programme for current visiting hours and shows.
Architects Dimitris Ayiostratitis, P. Jonos, and G. Choipel oversaw comprehensive restoration work before the foundation's opening. This careful restoration preserved the building's historical features while preparing it for modern cultural use.
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