Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens

The Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens, Attica: The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum was founded in 1993 and opened to the public in 1994 as a non-government cultural institution. It is housed in a beautiful Neoclassical building, which used to be the old workshop of the famous jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis, located south of the Acropolis. The building had multiple renovations to turn into a museum.

Today, the permanent exhibition of the Jewelry Museum displays over 4,000 pieces and micro-sculptures designed by Ilias Lalaounis from 1940 to 2000. The inspirations for these jewelry collections derive from various sources, such as the Neolithic period, the Byzantine period, the post-Colombian architecture and African designs. These collections have also been inspired by the Greek jewelry from the Classical and the Hellenistic periods and several creations inspired by the latest developments in technology and science.

The museum frequently organizes periodical exhibitions, cultural and educational programs for children and teenagers and has an interesting publishing activity. There are a lovely cafeteria and a restaurant on the ground floor of the museum and a special roof garden offering a spectacular view to the southern side of the Acropolis. The library hosts over 5,000 volumes around the art of jewelry making and also publications in archaeology, fine arts, nature, and other civilizations.

Lalaounis Museum has been established as a strong and modern organization with exhibitions and activities for all ages. It aims in transforming the museum into an international center that will enhance the history of jewelry and the art of jewelry trade.

Address: Kariatidon and Kalisperi st, 12, Makrigianni district, opposite the Acropolis
Telephone: (0030) 210 92 21 044

The photo is from www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr