Known to Athenians as the Kostis Palamas building, this stunning, renovated building at the corner of Akadimias and Massalias Streets, has a long history.

Built in the mid-1850s to meet the housing needs of the private Hellenikon Ekpaideuterion School, the initial building, designed by Greek architect Stamatis Kleanthis, was an early example of neoclassicism, displaying the vivid colours seen today. Purchased by the University of Athens in the 1870s, the facility housed the pharmacology, microbiology and mineralogy laboratories, followed subsequently by the forensic and toxicology labs.

In the 1970s, after the building had been deserted for a number of years, the government decided to replace it with a modern building to house the Ministry of Education. However, due to political developments and objections raised by the academic and architectural communities, the project went no further.

Today, the original building has been fully restored, and now houses the University Cultural Centre and the Faculty Club.

Image source: https://www.uoa.gr/to_panepistimio/ypiresies_panepistimiakes_monades/ktirio_kostis_palamas/