Here is a current hot button issue in Athens Greece. If you could all take a few minutes to read through the information below and to send an email to support the preservation of an important listed historic building. Please remember, this is what we ask of others around the world when we have an important preservation issue!

Please join me to help the cause of global recognition of Art Deco as an important movement in art, architecture and culture. Send your comments in support of saving this building to both of these addresses:

adoxiadis@notos.biz
nrouse@tee.gr

Sincerely,

Rory Cunningham
President , Art Deco Society of Los Angeles

Art Deco Buidling In Danger in Athens

No. 17 Dionyssiou Areopagitou St. built by Vassilis Kouremenos.

ATHENS, GREECE.- Two listed buildings are in danger of being torn down in Athens to provide a better view of the Parthenon from the new museum. One of the buildings is an Art Deco gem designated a monument in its own right at No. 17 Dionyssiou Areopagitou St. was built by Vassilis Kouremenos, a graduate of Paris' Ecole des Beaux Arts and reportedly a friend of Pablo Picasso. The other building is owned by Oscar-winning composer Vangelis Papathanassiou of Chariots of Fire fame.

Kostas Stamatopoulos of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage said, “It is probably the most impressive example of its kind."

The building has a pink marbled exterior, a mosaic of Oedipus and the Sphinx adorning the top story and marble statues of women in traditional dress flanking the wrought iron door.

These two buildings stand between the new museum and the Acropolis. A visitor looking out from the museum towards the Parthenon would see the two buildings' rear facade of plain, charmless walls.

Culture Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis announced in May that the two buildings would be removed. Greece's archaeological council voted in early July to revoke the listed status of the more significant Art Deco building and allow its demolition. An e-mail campaign was launched by outraged residents and architects to save the two
buildings. An internet blog has also been set up at http://www.areopagitou17.blogspot.com/
“We can't do things like that at the expense of other monuments and
works of art.”

Following is a copy of the letter which I have sent to add my voice to the other international letters decrying the decision to demolish a historically listed building:

Dear Sirs and Madams:

As the President of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and a member
of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies, I am saddened
that such a fine example of Greek Art Deco Architecture could be torn
down. Especially since the Ministry of Culture deemed the structure
at 17 Dionysiou Areopagitou Str. to be of great significance in
1988. To think that people from around the globe would have to tell
the Athenian Government that preserving their built environment was
important is unbelievable. This is especially unfortunate given that
the beautiful Art Deco edifice is not even obstructing the view of
the Acropolis. It is my hope that the Museum reconsiders, and
realizes that the preservation of history is the primary function of
museums.

Most Sincerely,

Rory Cunningham,
President, Art Deco Society of Los Angeles