For a country renowned for its ancient monuments and historical landmarks, you might be surprised at Greece’s booming contemporary art offerings. From the Acropolis to a blockbuster show of George Condo, the blend of past and present art makes both Athens and the island of Hydra premier travel destinations for art enthusiasts.

For those in a rush, check out our not-to-miss highlights:

• Photography: Greece’s foremost photography event, the Athens Photo Festival, features over 100 artists and runs until 28 July.
• Rising stars: Maria Joannou’s debut exhibition ‘Thirsty’ at The Breeder in Athens until 31 August.
• Established contemporary art: Anselm Kiefer’s major solo show at Gagosian Athens until 24 August.

ATHENS

At The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, the exhibition 'Poor Things: The Costumes' features twelve original handmade costumes by Academy Award and BAFTA-winning costume designer Holly Waddington. These costumes, worn by Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, and Ramy Youssef in Yorgos Lanthimos's film 'Poor Things', are on display until 29 September.

Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Athens Photo Festival, running until 28 July. This premier international event features over 100 artists, showcasing a wide range of photographic works, audiovisual materials, installations, and artistic publications. The main exhibition is at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138, with additional exhibits in 18 other venues across Athens.

At Gagosian Athens, Anselm Kiefer’s major solo show is a must-see, featuring new and recent works until 24 August. Kiefer's landscapes, crafted from materials like gold, oil and acrylic paint, shellac, straw, and fabric, explore themes of creation, metamorphosis, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Founded in 2008, The Breeder is one of Greece's most influential commercial galleries, nestled in the trendy Metaxourgeio neighbourhood. Rising star and Athens-based artist Maria Joannou debuts her exhibition ‘Thirsty’ at The Breeder, on view until 31 August. Her paintings depict everyday intimacies in vivid colour, striking a balance between abstraction and realism. With distinct individuality and palpable presence, her works convey the weight and gravitas of life.

HYDRA

Located about 40 miles south of Athens, the island of Hydra is just a 90-minute ferry ride away. Renowned for its dynamic art scene, Hydra offers a blend of historical treasures and a thriving contemporary art culture, thanks to its numerous galleries and annual artistic events.

Founded in 2009 within a repurposed slaughterhouse, the DESTE Foundation outpost, owned by influential collector Dakis Joannou, stands out in the art world. Unlike typical art galleries, this renovated building retains its original industrial charm, preserving elements of its past while serving as a unique exhibition space. It has hosted major contemporary artists such as Kara Walker and David Shrigley, and this summer it hosts ‘The Mad and the Lonely’, an exhibition of George Condo’s works through 31 October.

Each June, Hydra School Projects takes centre stage in the island's cultural landscape, meticulously curated by Dimitrios Antonitsis. Now celebrating its 25th edition, this annual event invites visitors to experience art in unique and unexpected venues throughout the town.

To commemorate a century of shared history, the Old Carpet Factory and Soutzoglou Carpets present a site-specific exhibition titled ‘The Warp of Time,’ running until 8 September 2024. Artist Helen Marden uses artisan carpets as her canvas for watercolours, drawing inspiration from the island’s enchanting landscapes.

For history enthusiasts, be sure to check out the lively Hydra Harbour and pay a visit to the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra inside a majestic neoclassical building. This impressive museum serves as a treasure trove, preserving and showcasing the rich, layered history of the island complete with relics including a silver urn that contains the embalmed heart of the Greek Admiral Miaoulis (1821–1829). Conveniently located a 5-minute walk away is the 17th-century Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, where you can marvel at the ornate interiors complete with gilded candelabras, metallic silver-and-gold icons, frescoes, and lamp chandeliers.

LEROS

For those feeling adventurous, the group exhibition 'All Things Become Islands Before My Senses' is on view until August 18 on the island of Leros. The show explores themes of displacement, confinement, and in-betweenness, featuring works by William Kentridge, Lindsey Mendick, Maryam Turkey, Paweł Althamer, and other artists, installed across six significant locations on the island.

Leros, nestled in the Dodecanese Islands near Turkey's mainland, has a rich and turbulent history, including Italian occupation, shaping its unique architecture. Highlights include:

• Cinema Roma and The Elementary School: Iconic Rationalist buildings from the 1930s Italian occupation.
• Muro d’Ascolto: An architecturally iconic analogue radar on Mount Patella.
• Old Barracks of Xerokampos: Abandoned barracks with frescoes by former occupiers.
• Leros Nautical Club: Established in 1979 in a renovated ammunition storage building.
• Perasma Space: Located in a neoclassical mansion built in 1886 in Agia Marina.