The Open Air Glyptotheque of Psychiko – George Zongolopoulos Square is a sculpture garden located in Psychiko, Athens, Greece, on Dimokratias Avenue next to Saint Dimitrios Church. It can be visited throughout the day.
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The Open Air Glyptotheque of Psychiko – George Zongolopoulos Square was established in 2010 when the Municipality of Filothei-Psychiko and the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, also based in Psychiko, wished to honor the internationally known Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos by giving his name to one of the municipality’s central squares and creating an open-air glyptotheque freely accessible to the public. It was Zongolopoulos’ belief that art should be easily available to all. George Zongolopoulos and his wife, the painter Eleni Paschalidou-Zongolopoulou, were amongst the first inhabitants of Psychiko. The two artists lived and worked for nearly six decades in their house and studio, which is very close to today’s George Zongolopoulos Square. There are six large-scale sculptures by George Zongolopoulos in Psychiko, including the famous sculpture Umbrellas at the entrance of Psychiko on Kifissias Avenue.
Sculptures
The six large-scale sculptures of George Zongolopoulos in the glyptotheque-square are representative of the artist’s different creative periods. Each of the sculptures Alexander, Poseidon, Sculpture of TITF (Thessaloniki International Trade Fair), Olympic Circles, Column and Irana tells its own story, while the green parts of the square offer a unique space for strolling and a special outing for adults and children alike.
Although there are dozens of George Zongolopoulos sculptures in the region of Attica (including Five Circles in Omonia Square, “Atrium” in Syntagma Square, Column in Rizari Park, the bust Miaoulis in the Pedion of Mars, and War Memorial in Nikaia), this glyptotheque comprises a unique space in which visitors can see a concentrated selection of one artist’s works.
Guided tours
On the first Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon, the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, in collaboration with the Agency of Social Solidarity, Sports & Culture (OKAPA) of the Municipality of Filothei-Psychiko, offers a free guided tour of the Open Air Glyptotheque of Psychiko – George Zongolopoulos Square. In addition, the foundation works with schools to develop educational programs specifically designed for children.