Greece’s open-air cinemas, an iconic summer pastime, are back in full swing but ticket prices are climbing. Attendance has started strong. ‘People realize summer weather comes early now and aren’t afraid to come out,’ said Kostas Gounaris, a fourth-generation cinema operator managing 10 venues. Ticket prices vary, on average, from €8 to €15. The historic Cine Paris in Plaka (pictured) now charges €10, with operator Christos Bechtsis noting, ‘Most people feel the ticket is reasonable, considering what we offer: a top-quality projection, a full bar and a prime view.’ The renovated Aigli in Zappeio Garden has also raised prices (€10), citing upgraded technology and exclusive amenities. Some venues charge even more: €12 at the War Museum and up to €50 at the rooftop cinema of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, with dinner and wine. Still, the decades-long tradition remains accessible. ‘For us, it’s not just about movies,’ said Andreas Kontarakis from distributor Weirdwave. ‘It’s about a beautiful evening, with a beer, maybe some music from a nearby bar, or a barking dog.’ [THALIA GALANOPOULOU]
The start of summer proper is being rung in all over Athens, with the sound of concerts at outdoor venues, oldie goldies and new box-office hits at the city’s lovely open-air movie theaters, as well as a slew of art exhibitions that whet the appetite for the beach and stir holiday memories.
As it does every year, the City of Athens Technopolis cultural center has brought even more life to the already buzzing downtown district of Kerameikos with a rich roster of music shows covering a wide range of genres. Among the many artists who will be appearing on the popular venue’s stage in the old gasworks factory are Greek rap act Rationalistas on June 20, fresh from the release of their latest album “Prosanamma” (Kindling).
Marking the year’s longest day and World Music Day on June 21, the Athens Concert Hall will be opening its garden venue for three concerts, by the Athens State Orchestra, the Aether quartet and the Domna Samiou Association of Demotic Music.
In the meantime, cinematic journeys for kids and adults under the star-studded sky are being offered by the wildly popular Park Your Cinema program at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center (SNFCC) on Athens’ southern coast, an initiative that turns 10 this year. So get your mosquito repellent picnic blankets ready for a date on the Great Lawn with old favorites and new offerings in a program curated in cooperation with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Athens International Film Festival for Children and Teens. Upcoming screenings include “Lady Bird” (13/6), the now-classic “When Harry Met Sally” (20/6) “Edward Scissorhands” (29/6).
On the visual arts front, the Athens Municipal Gallery presents “Stories of Insouciance,” curated by Kostas Nikakis and Stacey Ventura. The group show comprises paintings, engraving and sculptures from the gallery’s permanent collection, as well as rare material from its photographic and cartoon archives. The gallery is also showing, for the first time, selected pieces from a gift bequeathed by art collector Vlassis Frissiras, which are juxtaposed with work by students at the Athens School of Fine Art, with the aim of creating a dialogue between the different generations.
