The Culture Ministry is moving ahead with the restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Xenia pavilion near the archaeological site of Mycenae in the northeastern Peloponnese, converting it into a mixed-use cultural venue for ancient drama performances and visitor services, the ministry said.
The project includes the restoration, redesign and full functional upgrade of the building into a modern, accessible and energy-efficient facility. It will feature spaces for performances staged by Greece’s National Theater, the National Theater of Northern Greece and the Greek National Opera, as well as a retail shop and refreshment area.
Officials said the intervention is intended to enhance the visitor experience at Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The building is located near the archaeological site and offers views over the Argolic plain.
Abandoned since the early 1990s, the structure has suffered deterioration from weather, moisture and vandalism and is currently out of use. Authorities say it requires extensive renovation and modernization to meet current functional standards.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the project, an important example of Greek modernist architecture, is being carried out in line with international heritage protection standards, while linking the ancient site with contemporary artistic production.
Works include structural reinforcement, interior reconstruction, installation of modern mechanical and electrical systems, and the creation of new visitor and staff areas, while preserving the building’s original architectural character.
The project also provides for full accessibility for people with disabilities, improved energy efficiency and limited landscaping of the surrounding area.
The property, covering 5,123 square meters, is now owned by the Culture Ministry. The building itself spans 565 square meters across two levels and includes a roof terrace.
Designed by Lamia-born architect Kimion Laskaris and completed in 1951, the Xenia pavilion was among the first tourism facilities developed by the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) in the 1950s. It lies about 700 meters from the Mycenae archaeological site and the Tomb of Atreus, along the road connecting the site to the nearby village.
Officials said the building was carefully positioned to avoid obstructing views of the archaeological site and that its modernist design, featuring polygonal stonework and a restrained architectural style, blends with the surrounding landscape. [AMNA]
