Architecture at the Heart of Athens: The Unique Opening Night of Kengo Kuma's "Onomatopoeia" Exhibition

Athens, February 11, 2025 — On Saturday, February 8th, the opening of the exhibition "Onomatopoeia" by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma took place successfully at the former Public Tobacco Factory in Athens. The event was organized by Medexpo in collaboration with the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE). The event gathered numerous individuals from the architectural and design community, as well as from the broader cultural sphere, filling the Tobacco Factory hall and drawing interest in the discussion about Kuma's architectural philosophy.

The event, which was moderated by journalist Maria Akrivou, was greeted by several prominent figures, including the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis, who mentioned, among other things, how "culture, as it flows through a multicultural, global filter, is something we must appreciate." Following him, the Japanese Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Ito Koichi, spoke, saying: "This is a unique opportunity to understand, in a more vivid and realistic way, the world of Kengo Kuma, a world that many will discover and appreciate the richness of Japanese culture."

Also addressing the attendees, Mr. Dinos Benroubi, Vice President and CEO of METKA S.A. (the main sponsor of the exhibition), expressed his pride in participating in this significant moment: "As METKA, we are proud to be part of this important occasion, not only as the major sponsor but also as the builder of the Riviera Galleria in Elliniko, an iconic project bearing the signature of Kengo Kuma and his team."

Finally, Mariangela Tsota-Anghelopoulou, co-founder of Medexpo and the event organizer, thanked all the attendees and hundreds of visitors, stating: "It is a great honor and joy, beyond the Architect Show, to co-organize with the Technical Chamber of Greece what is perhaps the most significant architectural exhibition in recent years in our country, honoring Kengo Kuma's work. His work is a testament to the endless connection between tradition and innovation, between the environment and humanity in architecture."

During the event, Kengo Kuma himself presented the philosophy behind "Onomatopoeia" and how it plays an integral role in the creative process of his works. As he mentioned: "In this exhibition, I want to show how I create a dialogue with materials. In this dialogue, I do not often use a language influenced by logic. And when I do, it is impossible for people to understand me. That is why I always use rhymes. The material and the body communicate with each other and synchronize using this primitive language."

At the end of the event, the distinguished architect provided a short guided tour of the exhibition space, where he explained how each Onomatopoeia comes to life through materials and the natural environment.

The "Onomatopoeia" exhibition, which is part of the Architect Show, will remain open to the public until Saturday, March 15th, at the former Public Tobacco Factory. It marks an iconic moment for the architectural scene in Athens, bringing together contemporary architecture with tradition and innovation. It is noteworthy that this exhibition is being hosted for the first time in Greece, following its successful presentations in Bonn and Venice, further enhancing its international significance. The event once again demonstrated the importance and value of intercultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas in the fields of culture and art. It is noteworthy that this exhibition is being hosted for the first time in Greece, following its successful presentations in Bonn and Venice, further enhancing its international significance.

For more information about Kengo Kuma's "Onomatopoeia," visit thearchitectshow.gr.

Supported by: The Hellenic Parliament, The Japanese Embassy, and the Greek Institute of Architecture.