OVERVIEW
The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron)
It says everything about the Athens Concert Hall (or the Megaron Mousikis, as it’s known in Greek) that it has retained every bit of its wow factor since the day it opened its doors in 1991. Classical and contemporary musical recitals as well as ballet, dance and other performances have lit up the stage at one of Europe’s premier cultural venues ever since.
It doesn’t matter when you plan to be in Athens. You’ll find a selection of live events all year round in what promises to be one of the highlights of your stay. There are individual shows of all musical genres and seasonal festivals, such as the annual Spring Festival celebrating the most magical season in Athens.
First impressions are everything at the Athens Concert Hall. The 1,960-seat Christos Lambraki Hall (named after a media mogul and patron of the arts) captivates you the moment you set eyes on the 6,080-pipe organ dominating the back of the stage. And the 1,500-seat Alexandra Trianti Hall (named after a 1920s lieder singer) offers the same world-class acoustics as it did when the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra inaugurated the auditorium in 2004, sealing the Megaron’s reputation as one of Athens’ leading music venues.
Other smaller concert halls exist within the complex, as well as banqueting, conference and exhibition spaces and a Music Library housing 63,000 books and 10,000 sound recordings of all kinds of world music (ancient, Byzantine, folk, jazz, popular etc) in a true cultural multi-space.
Meanwhile, the Megaron’s Wine Bar is open on performance nights and you can visit the M Café for a drink or snack on any day. And everyone is free to stroll around the Megaron Garden, a 4.5-acre green space that is open from 10am to sundown and occasionally hosts performances of its own, notably when 4,000 people sat on benches and the lawn to enjoy the Vienna Philharmonic on giant screens.
Exploring the beautifully landscaped garden is the best way to appreciate the Athens Concert Hall’s architecture all the more, including the Atrium of the Muses (a sunken outdoor courtyard that also hosts recitals), before discovering another unexpected highlight, the Fuga restaurant, whose stylish decor and Greek and international dishes attract diners irrespective of whether they are attending a performance or not.
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How do you get to Megaron Athens Concert Hall from the centre of Athens?
- From Syntagma, take the blue metro line to the Megaro Moussikis station, or better still go by foot to enjoy the buildings of Vasilissis Sofias Ave. From Plaka, take the red metro line to Syntagma station and change.
How do you get to the centre of Athens from the airport or port?
- From Athens International Airport, you can catch a taxi (around €40 during the day), bus (Χ95) or the metro (blue line to Syntagma) directly into the centre. Alternatively, you can hire a car at the airport.
- From the port of Piraeus, you can catch a taxi (around €30 during the day), bus (Χ80 or 040 to Syntagma from Gate E12) or the metro (blue line to Syntagma) directly into the centre. Depending on which port gate you arrive at, it is a 15-20-minute walk to the metro station.
What is the best time of year to visit the Megaron Athens Concert Hall?
- There are events at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) all year round, including seasonal festivals as well as one-off performances.
- In spring and summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the Megaron Garden at its best.
- You don’t need a ticket to enter the Megaron unless there is a performance.
What is the best time of year to visit Athens?
- To get the most out of Athens, it is best to visit between October-April when the summer crowds have thinned and you’ll enjoy the company of Athenians going about their daily lives.
How long are events at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall?
- Most concerts are between 1-3 hours and you can enjoy a drink before, during the interval or after the show.
- You are free to spend as long as you want in the Megaron Garden, which is open to the public from 10am till sundown every day.
- The Fuga restaurant is open daily for dinner from Monday to Saturday from 19:00-24:00.
- The Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) is fully accessible for visitors with mobility difficulties (more info)
- Take a virtual tour of the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) here
- There are seasonal and daily events in the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) throughout the year
- Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) parking
- M Shop & M Café: Οpening times
- Wine Bar: Οpening times
- Fuga restaurant: Οpening times
