Known throughout antiquity for its culture, Athens would not be Athens without a plethora of musical, theatrical, dance, art or cinema centres.  Athens really comes alive in the summer where the ancient Herodion Atticus Theatre, the Lycabettus Theatre and other outdoor centres host an array of events. 

So whether your idea of culture is enjoying an opera in the Megaron Music Hall, or dancing all night long under the stars at one of the beach-side clubs, Athens has something for you! 

For further details and schedules of events, please check out www.culture.gr which is operated by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

The Hellenic Festival www.hellenicfestival.gr
The Festival takes place in Athens' Herodes Atticus (Herodion Theatre) and proposes 77 performances: modern and ancient theatre, ballet, opera, jazz and classical music, symphonic music and great singers etc.

The International Jazz and Blues Festival (June)
The Festival is welcomed by the Theatre of Lycabettus in Athens.

"Musical July" (July) www.hellenicfestival.gr
“Musical July”, the significant cultural institution at the Ancient Epidaurus Little Theatre. For five weekends the audience enjoys events of high aesthetics from all over Greece.

Sound and Light Performances (Sept.-Oct.)
These popular spectacles combining visual effects with music and narration are presented nightly at historic sites of archaeological importance: the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes and the Old Fortress in Corfu.

Maria Callas
Maria Callas, one of the most exciting opera singers of her generation, is intimately bound to Greece and Athens. Born in New York of Greek parentage, her family returned to Greece, where she attended the Athens Conservatory, studying with soprano Elvira de Hidalgo.

The Greek National Opera www.nationalopera.gr
The Greek National Opera is the only lyric theatre of Greece.

The performances of the Greek National Opera are presented in two stages: Olympia Theatre (Opera and Ballet) and Acropol Theatre (Greek Operettas, Opera for Children and young people).

Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall www.megaron.gr
Since it opened its doors to the public in 1991, the Athens Concert Hall has been regarded as one of the most comprehensive culture centres in Europe.

The Athens State Orchestra
During 110 years of its operation, the Athens State Orchestra, the main institution of Greek symphonic music history, has prepared most interesting programmes under direction of major conductors.

Orchestra of the Colours www.orchestraofcolours.gr
The Orchestra of Colours was founded in 1989 by Manos Hadjidakis. Its establishment fulfilled his vision for a first-rate orchestra dedicated to presenting interesting works not usually included in standard repertory.