Renzo Piano Begins KYKLOS Cultural Center in Piraeus, Greece

Construction has started on the KYKLOS Cultural Center in Piraeus, a major port city near Athens. The project is designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, working with Betaplan Architects and landscape architect Camille Muller from Paris. The center is commissioned by the Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation and is planned as an open and welcoming place for art, learning, and public life.

A Project with an International Vision

The KYKLOS Cultural Center was launched in 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. It is designed to host contemporary art collections and cultural programs with an international focus. At the same time, it aims to serve the local community, students, and visitors. The project is planned as part of a wider network of art centers around the world, helping Piraeus connect more strongly to global cultural life.

Location and Urban Connection

The center is located near the Neo Faliro electric train station, making it easy to reach from different parts of the city. Its position supports the idea of KYKLOS as a public and civic place rather than a closed cultural institution. The project is intended to contribute to the cultural identity of Piraeus and to the wider Athens metropolitan area.

Architecture as an Open and Accessible Space

KYKLOS is designed as a place where people can slow down, explore, and spend time. The building combines indoor galleries with outdoor areas, creating a balance between enclosed exhibition spaces and open public zones. The design focuses on clarity, openness, and strong connections between different parts of the complex. According to the architects, the goal is to create a clear and readable building that feels inviting to everyone.

A Building Set in a Mediterranean Garden

The building is imagined as a shelter for art surrounded by a Mediterranean garden. Large glass exhibition spaces face a busy avenue on the west side, while calmer gallery spaces open toward a garden on the east. Natural light enters the building through layers of structure, shading elements, and plants, helping to control sunlight while keeping strong visual connections to the outside.

Landscape as a Key Design Element

Landscape design plays a major role in the project. Around 62 percent of the site will be made up of planted public spaces designed with Camille Muller. These green areas help soften the transition between the building and the city. They also support the urban ecosystem and offer shaded paths and places to sit, meet, and relax. The gardens are designed to be used by both visitors and local residents.

Flexible Spaces for Art and Learning

Inside the center, the layout is flexible and adaptable. Galleries and public spaces can change over time to support different exhibitions, events, and educational activities. Clear circulation and visual transparency help visitors move easily through the building. In addition to exhibitions, KYKLOS will host talks, film screenings, workshops, and digital programs.

A New Cultural Landmark

With its mix of architecture, landscape, and public programs, the KYKLOS Cultural Center is planned as a new cultural landmark for Piraeus. It is designed to work at both a local and international level—serving the daily life of the city while also taking part in global conversations around contemporary art and culture.