Architecture in Greece: The Mystical Language of Form at the Former Public Tobacco Factory

17 October 2026 – 17 January 2027 | Former Public Tobacco Factory of the Hellenic Parliament, Athens

Spanning from prehistory to the present day, the exhibition “Architecture in Greece | The Mystical Language of Form” brings together architectural drawings, models, photographs, artworks, publications and archival material in a broad exploration of architectural production in the Greek world.

The exhibition Architecture in Greece will be presented at the Former Public Tobacco Factory of the Hellenic Parliament in Athens from 17 October 2026 to 17 January 2027. Co-organized by CityLab and the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), with the support of the Hellenic Parliament, it traces the development of architectural creation in the Greek world from prehistory to contemporary practice.

Under the subtitle The Mystical Language of Form, the exhibition approaches architecture as art, science, cultural expression and historical evidence. Rather than following an exclusively chronological narrative, works from different periods are brought into dialogue in search of continuities, affinities, ruptures and transformations.

The “mystical language of form”

The conceptual starting point of the exhibition is Dimitris Pikionis’ reflection on the “mystical language of form” and the capacity of architecture to engage with historical time.

The Greek landscape, both natural and built, acts as a common reference throughout the exhibition, together with the cultural exchanges that have contributed to its transformation. Architecture is also examined in relation to the other arts through material, form, technique and symbolism.

Architectural drawings and sketches, models, photographs, artworks, books, magazines and film excerpts are presented alongside material from important public and private archives, creating a broad documentary field addressed both to specialists and to a wider audience.

Curatorial and exhibition design

The exhibition is curated by Stavros Alifragkis, Manolis Korres, Panagiotis Pangalos and Dimitris Philippidis.

The exhibition design has been developed by Tilemachos Andrianopoulos, Loukia Martha, Katerina Michalopoulou and Angelos Psilopoulos, with collaborating designers Athanasia Polymerou, Natalia Kostoglou, Panagiota Mousa, Iliana Deri and Dimitris Baltas.

Lighting design and supervision are by Katerina Skalkou, the soundscape is by Nikos Xanthoulis, while technical coordination is undertaken by Epikyklos | Iason Vovos.

The exhibition design is conceived as an active component of the historical narrative, establishing relationships between material from different periods, formats and scales.

Catalogue and parallel programme

A printed catalogue accompanies the exhibition, combining the exhibited material with original theoretical texts by scholars from different fields. It is edited by Stavros Alifragkis and Panagiotis Pangalos.

A programme of parallel events will take place throughout the exhibition period, with updates available through CityLab and Architecture in Greece.

Beyond the exhibition itself, the organizers identify a longer-term objective: contributing to the public and institutional discussion surrounding the creation of a Greek Museum of Architecture, conceived as a permanent institution for research, documentation, preservation, education and the international promotion of architectural production in Greece.

Visitor information

Architecture in Greece | The Mystical Language of Form
Former Public Tobacco Factory of the Hellenic Parliament
218 Lenorman Street, Athens

Dates: 17 October 2026 – 17 January 2027
Opening days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Opening hours: 11:00–19:00
Official opening: Tuesday 20 October 2026, 19:00
Arrival for the opening: 18:30
Admission: Free with presentation of an identity card or passport
Opening registration: CityLab