‘Space Between’ Art Show to Highlight Hilton’s History, Create New Conrad Narrative
Works on a new mixed-use luxury hospitality destination in the Greek capital where the landmark Hilton Athens once stood are under way aiming to welcome the first guests in 2025.
Budgeted at 275 million euros, the Conrad project will include a Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand hotel, Conrad Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences, a lifestyle members’ club, culinary and entertainment venues, curated shopping as well as leisure and wellness experiences.
During the overhaul, four graffiti artists take part in the “Space Between” exhibition which features art work on the construction hoarding surrounding the site.
The art installation, to be overseen by two-time Academy Award and BAFTA nominated creative director Phedon Papamichael, will feature black and white photographs from the 60s and 70s, snapshots from previous decades, artworks by young artists and street art.
The snapshots will chronicle the construction stages of the building and the people that made it so special: the architects, Greek artist Yiannis Moralis who decorated the facades, and the distinguished personalities from Greece and abroad for whom it was a favorite meeting point.
The aim of the art project is to offer a visual narrative of the former Hilton’s history and new destination’s making and to build an artistic bridge between the legacy of a contemporary city landmark and the ever-evolving spirit of authentic, modern Athens.
“I share almost the same birth year with this modern monument, and I somehow strangely feel that the spiritual journeys of our lives over the decades have been in parallel harmony. That is perhaps the reason why I, intuitively and with ease, was able to discover the simple beauty and details of its architecture in my compositions during the process of photographing the building,” said Papamichael.
Heralding the new era of the historic building, the outdoor art exhibition “Space Between” is addressed to all residents of and visitors to the city, aiming to highlight its contemporary, authentic, and timeless character, as well as to open a wider discussion on the relationship between art and public space.