Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Conceived in 2006, the SNFCC is a private-public partnership and the Foundation's largest single philanthropic gift ($854 million/ €617 million). Upon its completion the SNF will donate SNFCC to the Greek State, which will assume its full control, operation and management. Located 4.5 km south of the center of Athens and on the edge of Faliro Bay, the SNFCC is perhaps the most significant cultural, educational and environmental project undertaken in Greece, and aims to become the first LEED Platinum-certified public building in the country, and one of the first, for buildings of this complexity, in Europe and in the world. In addition, the Stavros Niarchos Park is expected to double the area's green space, making it one of the largest in Athens. As a pioneering initiative, the SNFCC regenerates and enriches the surrounding urban fabric of local communities and enhances the image of the city as a whole. Its environmental, social and economic impact is especially welcomed during the current difficult social circumstances, as a result of Greece's unabating socioeconomic crisis. An impact study report, recently conducted by The Boston Consulting Group, estimates that its construction has contributed €1.1 billion to Greece's GDP, created 13,600 jobs and generated €57 million in revenues. Covering an area of 28,000 m2, the new premises of the Greek National Opera can only be compared with the most modern opera houses in the world. The high aesthetics, state-of-the-art acoustics, as well as the installations of the Main Stage (1400 seats) will bolster a high-calibre artistic program. Furthermore, the Alternative Stage (400 seats) will become a hub of research and creativity in the field of education, community and contemporary artistic creation, with special emphasis in all forms of the musical theatre.