The statue and its cultural significance
The Odysseas Elytis Statue stands at Plateia Dexamenis in Kolonaki, Athens. It is a tribute to the Greek poet and Nobel laureate, whose work engaged deeply with Greek nature, light, and identity. Set in an urban area surrounded by museums, cafés, and historical landmarks, the statue is an accessible stop for literary enthusiasts and cultural explorers (Bon Flaneur; This is Athens).
The Elytis House Museum in Plaka offers a complementary look at the poet’s life through manuscripts, artifacts, and exhibitions. Together, the statue and museum present his lasting influence on modern Hellenic culture (Elytis House Museum official website; Tovima).
History
Odysseas Elytis (1911–1996), born Odysseas Alepoudelis, is celebrated as a transformative voice in Greek poetry. His best-known works include The Axion Esti, which combines surrealism with Greek tradition. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979. His poetry celebrates the Greek landscape, history, and human spirit, and remains an enduring expression of modern Greek identity.
The statue was sculpted by Ioannis Pappas in 1977, two years before Elytis received the Nobel Prize. It was officially unveiled in 1997, a year after the poet’s death, reflecting Athens’s commitment to honoring contemporary cultural figures in its urban landscape (Bon Flaneur; Elytis House Museum).
What to see
The statue
The 1.68-meter bronze statue depicts Elytis in everyday attire, with a serene, contemplative expression. Its limestone pedestal echoes the natural elements central to his poetry. Pappas’s realistic approach presents Elytis as both an artist and an ordinary person.
The statue represents Greece’s literary heritage and Elytis’s vision of Greekness as a balance of tradition and modernity. It is part of the Athens Poetry Walk, among tributes to other poets and intellectuals, and features in literary walks, cultural festivals, and public events (Culture is Athens; Scribd Cultural Newsletter).
Elytis House Museum
The museum’s permanent collection includes manuscripts, first editions, personal artifacts, photographs, audio-visual material, and artwork inspired by Elytis’s poetry. Its library and reading room are available for research by appointment. Interactive displays, workshops, and resources serve schools and the public.
The museum also hosts poetry readings, lectures, and workshops, often in collaboration with festivals such as the Athens Epidaurus Festival (This is Athens). Temporary exhibitions explore Elytis’s influence on modern culture. In 2025, the Athens Epidaurus Festival will feature a performance of “Axion Esti” at the Herodeion (Athens Epidaurus Festival 2025).
Virtual tours are available via museum and tourism websites.
Practical visiting information
The statue
- Address Plateia Dexamenis, Kolonaki, central Athens.
- Hours Open 24/7, year-round, with no restrictions.
- Admission Free; no ticket required.
- Metro Evangelismos (Blue Line), a 5-minute walk.
- Bus Several routes serve Kolonaki; check local schedules.
- On foot Close to the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum.
- Guided visits and events Dedicated tours are rare, but many walking tours of Kolonaki and central Athens include the statue. Poetry readings and cultural events occasionally take place nearby, especially on Elytis anniversaries (This is Athens).
- Accessibility Plateia Dexamenis generally has paved surfaces and seating. Some nearby streets are steep, so visitors with mobility needs may need to plan accordingly.
- Photography and etiquette Photography is welcome. Visitors sometimes leave flowers or poems at the statue; respect the site as a place of cultural memory.
Elytis House Museum
- Address 4 Dioskouron St & Polygnotou St, Plaka, Athens 105 55.
- Getting there The museum is 5 minutes from Monastiraki and accessible by Metro from Monastiraki, Thiseio, and Acropolis stations, as well as by bus (Museum Visit Info).
- Summer hours (May–Sept) Thu 12:00–18:00; Fri–Sun 10:30–18:00; closed Mon–Wed.
- Winter hours (Oct–Apr) Thu–Fri 12:00–17:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00; closed Mon–Wed.
- Closures Closed on major holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- Tickets General €7; reduced €4 for students and seniors 65+; free for children under 12, people with disabilities and companions, and select other categories.
- Accessibility The accessible entrance is at 7 Polygnotou St. Facilities accommodate visitors with disabilities. Guide dogs and assistants are welcome.
- Guided tours Available in Greek and English; advance booking is advised.
- Current information Check for the latest hours and ticket details on the Elytis House Museum official website.
Tips for visitors
Spring (April–June) and autumn (Sept–Nov) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, a camera, and a notebook for literary inspiration.
Listed facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, a library, and event spaces. Plaka and Kolonaki are described as safe; follow normal precautions. Public transport is recommended, and paid parking is limited near Syntagma and Monastiraki.
Educational programs are available for families and groups; arrange group tours in advance. For guided tours and insider tips, the original guide recommends downloading the Audiala app and following Athens’s cultural events calendar for poetry readings and special performances.
Nearby places
- Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
- Benaki Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds
- Anafiotika, a Cycladic-style neighborhood under the Acropolis
- Byzantine and Christian Museum
FAQ
What are the Odysseas Elytis Statue visiting hours?
The statue is open 24/7.
Is there an admission fee for the statue?
No. It is free to visit.
Where is the Elytis House Museum and how do I get there?
It is at 4 Dioskouron St & Polygnotou St in Plaka. Monastiraki is the closest Metro station.
Are guided tours available at the museum?
Yes, in Greek and English. Advance booking is advised.
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. An accessible entrance and facilities are provided.
Are cultural events held at the museum?
Yes. Events include poetry readings, workshops, and special performances.
