Zappeion

Zappeion Hall
Ζάππειον Μέγαρο
Alternative names	Zappeio
General information
Status	Conference and exhibition center
Architectural style	Neoclassical architecture
Location	Athens,Greece
Coordinates	37.970°N 23.737°E/37.970; 23.737
Construction started	20 January 1874
Opened	20 October 1888
Owner	Greek state
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Theophil Hansen
Website
Official website

TheZappeion(Greek:Ζάππειον Μέγαρο,romanized:Záppeion Mégaro,pronounced[ˈzapi.onˈmeɣaro]) is a large, palatial building next to theNational Gardens of Athensin the heart ofAthens, Greece.It is generally used for meetings and ceremonies, both official and private and is one of the city's most renowned modern landmarks.

Constructing the Zappeion

In 1869, the Greek Parliament allocated 80,000 square metres (860,000 sq ft) of public land between the Palace Gardens and the ancientTemple of Olympian Zeus,and also passed a law on 30 November 1869, "for the building works of the Olympic Games", as the Zappeion was the first building to be erected specifically for the revival of the Olympic Games in the modern world.The ancientPanathenian stadiumwas also refurbished as part of the works for the Olympic Games. Following some delay, on 20 January 1874, the cornerstone of the building was laid;this new building would be designed by Danish architectTheophil Hansen.Finally, on 20 October 1888, the Zappeion opened.Unfortunately for its benefactor,Evangelis Zappas,he did not live long enough to see the Zappeion built, and his cousinKonstantinos Zappaswas nominated by Evangelos Zappas to complete the building.TheAustrian Parliament Buildingwas also designed by Hansen and followed the same theme in the exterior.

The Zappeion Hall seen from the south.

History

The Zappeion

The atrium at the Zappeion convention center

The Zappeion was used during the1896 Summer Olympicsas the mainfencinghall. A decade later, at the1906 Intercalated Games,it was used as theOlympic Village.It served as the first host for the organizing committee (ATHOC) for the 2004 Games from 1998 to 1999 and served as the press center during the 2004 games.In 1938, theAthens Radio Station,the country's first national broadcaster, began operating in the premises. The building continued to house theNational Radio Foundationuntil the inauguration of theHouse of Radioin 1970.

A number of historical events have taken place at the Zappeion, including the signing of the documents formalizing Greece's accession to theEuropean Communityin May, 1979,which took place in the building'smarble-clad,peristylemainatrium.

The head of Evangelos Zappas is 'buried' inside a wall in the Zappeion.

Current Building Uses

The Olympic Village Zappeion commemorative coin

The Zappeion is currently being used as a Conference and Exhibition Center for both public and private purposes.

Halls and Floor Plans

The building contains about 25 distinct rooms that range in size from 97 square metres (1,044 sq ft) to 984 square metres (10,592 sq ft).

In numismatics

The Zappeion was recently selected as the main motif for high-value euro collectors' coins; the €100 GreekThe Olympic Village Zappeion commemorative coin,minted in 2003 to commemorate the2004 Summer Olympics.In the obverse of the coin, a front view of the building is depicted.

Statues

Various statues are placed in the gardens of the Zappeion area.

• 
  Statue ofEvangelos Zappasmade byIoannis Kossos
• 
  Angel
• 
  Little mower
• 
  Eros breaking his bow
• 
  Fisherman

External links

• Official Zappeion Megaron Website
• Virtual Tour of the Zappeion
• Zappeion Remodelling Project, 2000
• Old Photos of Zappeion (now in archive.org)