Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center

254 Pireos St., Renti
tel.: 212 254 0000 www.hellenic-cosmos.gr

"Hellenic Cosmos", the Cultural Center of the Foundation of the Hellenic World, is an ultra-modern Cultural Center that stands out for its innovative programs and the use of high-tech for educational purposes. It is situated on a former industrial zone on Pireos Street, an actual axis between Athens and Piraeus, where memory of Athens past meets the city's modern identity.

Digital Travel to History
The amazing church of Agia Sophia comes to life, right before your eyes, on a digital journey back in time at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center. You no longer have to travel to Constantinople to see up close the spectacular Orthodox Christian Church of Agia Sophia. For now, the wonder of Byzantium has opened its digital doors, revealing its historic secrets in the new interactive production "Agia Sophia: 1,500 Years of History" at the Tholos virtual reality theater of the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center. See the design of the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, see the church's magnificent mosaics, the marks left by the crusades, and the crowning of Michael VIII Palaiologos as emperor. And not simply as observers, but as participants in a number of scenarios and tours. Marvel at this emblematic edifice at a time when it was at the height of its fame and glory, when it was the spiritual and political symbol of the Byzantine Empire, and experience its monumental interior on a memorable 45-minute visit.

Exterior night view of the "Tholos" virtual reality theater of the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center.

"Hellenic Cosmos" is a multi-functional area where visitors experience Hellenic history and culture, while at the same time it is a venue of cultural creation and expression. They organize a wide range of activities, open to people of all ages and interests, such as: interactive exhibitions, virtual reality tours, educational programs, conferences, theatrical performances, documentaries, and art events. Through the use of state-of-the-art technology the examination of Hellenic history becomes a truly remarkable experience! Audiovisual and interactive media provide a new way for the dissemination of historical information, where the audience participates actively, wonders, intervenes and shapes the way the happenings develop. "Hellenic Cosmos" continuously evolves. New areas and activities are being developed, so that the Cultural Center has expanded from the initial 16,000 sq m in 1998 to become gradually a cultural park of 60,000 sq m, which will constitute the meeting place of history, technology and architecture. www.fhw.gr

"Theatron", the state-of-the-art theater of Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center.

Among the hundreds of noteworthy programs and exhibitions at the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center, we would like to mention the "Summer in the City" program, meant to function as a summer camp in the city. Part of this wonderful program is a hands-on introduction to the excavation and archaeological research for children, in a simple, yet ever so realistic and educational setting within the grounds of the Hellenic Cosmos.

The archaeological excavation process educational program within the "Summer in the City" camp at Hellenic Cosmos.