From Monet to Warhol: Experiencing 130 Years of Modern Art in Athens
- Sonia Gerodimou
- Dec 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Spanning more than 130 years of artistic creation, From Monet to Warhol: Three Generations, One Collection is a rare and ambitious exhibition presented at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens from December 6, 2025 to April 11, 2026.
Bringing together 83 masterpieces by 45 major figures of modern and contemporary art, the exhibition traces the evolution of painting from Impressionism to Pop Art, through key movements such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Abstraction and Surrealism.
Works by Monet, Degas, Morisot, Gauguin, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, Lichtenstein and Warhol appear throughout the exhibition, creating a rich and surprisingly approachable panorama of modern art. What makes the experience even more special is that all of these works come from a Swiss private collection built over three generations, shown together only for the second time worldwide — and for the very first time in Greece!
What truly elevates the experience is how this collection is presented.
The curatorial approach is thoughtful and refined, allowing the works to engage in a quiet dialogue with one another. Wall colours, lighting and spatial rhythm are carefully chosen, creating an atmosphere that feels immersive and almost cinematic. The exhibition never feels overwhelming; instead, it invites you to slow down, observe and connect.
The museum itself plays a crucial role in this experience. As one of Athens’ most exciting and relatively new cultural museum, the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation already feels like a contemporary landmark. Subtle but important details — such as the high-quality glass protection on the paintings — enhance both preservation and viewing. In many cases the glass is nearly invisible, allowing you to come remarkably close to the artworks without visual interference.
Beyond the exhibition rooms, the museum is undeniably Instagrammable. From elegant architectural lines to beautifully framed corners and transitions between galleries, it offers visual pleasure beyond the artworks themselves.
Tips
Photography is permitted (without flash), making it possible to capture moments without disturbing the calm of the space.
A practical tip for your visit: make use of the free vestarium and leave your jacket and larger bags there. You’ll move much more comfortably through the galleries and be able to focus fully on the artworks without distractions — especially helpful when spending time looking closely at the paintings.
A valuable tip when visiting: take the time to explore at least the first floor of the permanent collection. The dialogue between the permanent works and the temporary exhibition feels intentional and enriching, with shared movements and artistic connections that add depth and continuity to the visit.
Before leaving, don’t miss the museum shop, which is beautifully curated in its own right. It offers a thoughtful selection of items inspired by both the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition, making it a great place to find a meaningful souvenir or a gift connected to your visit.
From Monet to Warhol is not only an exhibition about great artists and movements — it is a carefully curated experience where collection, space and atmosphere work in harmony.
Exhibition dates: December 6, 2025 – April 11, 2026
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 10.00-18.00 Friday 10.00-20.00 - Closed on Tuesday
Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation13 Eratosthenous, Athens 11635 Τ: +302107252895 visit@goulandris.gr | goulandris.gr
Curators: Marie Koutsomallis-Moreau, Head of Collection at the B&E Goulandris Foundation &
Marina Ferretti Bocquillon, Scientific Director Emerita of the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny
Exhibition design:Paraskevi Gerolymatou, Andreas Georgiadis
