Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes
Rhodes Town
Multimedia Map Description
Rhodes Town

How to get

Nestled in a historic 1927 building, the Rhodes Municipal Art Gallery forms part of the Modern Art Museum, occupying the ground level. Its doors opened in 1962, thanks to Andreas Ioannou, a student of Greek modern painting and the Dodecanese prefect of the time.

Why Visit

Approaching the gallery, its resemblance to a quaint Turkish palace becomes apparent. The stonework and minimalist design, coupled with the staircase leading up and the elegant arches, bestow upon the building an air of mystique and understated opulence, despite not yet being a century old.

Rhodes Municipal Art Gallery nestled in a medieval structure with captivating arches on the ground floor at Symi Square, this two-storied historical edifice is home to an impressive assemblage of modern Greek art. Revered for its extensive collection of 20th-century Greek paintings, the gallery stands as a testament to the nation’s artistic heritage.

This exhibit showcases the talents of local artistic legends including K. Maleas, G. Buzianis, F. Kontoglou, S. Vasilou, and Y. Spiropoulos, among others. Their canvases offer an invaluable insight into the realm of contemporary Greek art. Visitors will have the chance to behold some of the most pivotal samples of such creations. Notably, most of these art pieces have been displayed in prestigious exhibitions, both within Greece and internationally.

The foundation of the Rhodes City Art Gallery can be attributed to Andreas Ioannou, a scholar of modern Greek art and the regional governor of the Dodecanese in 1948. His in-depth research into Greek artistic expressions began in the 1950s. With a particular affinity for the art of the 19th century, Ioannou established the gallery with the mission to collect and preserve the works of contemporary artists systematically.

In 2002, the Art Gallery expanded by acquiring a multi-story building donated by Ioannis (1897–1978) and Paola Nestoridis. This addition, known as the «Nestoridio» gallery, has become a hub for cultural activities. The venue hosts exhibitions and serves as a center for educational outreach, including lectures and workshops aimed at engaging students and young learners in the visual arts.

Art Gallery Exhibits

The Rhodes Municipal Art Gallery boasts an extensive collection, with over 690 works in its reserves. Visitors have access to a curated selection of 90 collections. The majority of the paintings and engravings are displayed in the historic building at Simi Square, showcasing a significant collection of Greek art from the modern and previous century. Apart from a piece by Angelos Yiallinas, the art pieces primarily feature artists born post-1863, spanning five distinct epochs and nine decades, from 1863 to the 1940s.

The first group features 15 eminent painters, with K. Maleas, K. Parthenis, and T. Hadjimichail being the standouts. Group two includes artists like D. Galanis, G. Gounaropoulos, F. Kontoglou, N. Lytras, G. Bouzianis, and S. Papaloukas. Group three includes 40 creators, among them S. Vassiliou, A. Kontopoulos, N. Nikolaou, and N. Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas. The fourth set showcases nearly 30 pieces from talents such as D. Diamantopoulos, N. Engonopoulos, Y. Moralis, D. Mitaras, G. Sikeliotis, Y. Spiropoulos, and Y. Tsarouchis. Born between the wars, this fifth collection presents around 40 painters like Y. Gaitis, G. Ioannou, N. Kessanlis, P. Tetsis, and A. Fassianos. The final group is the smallest in works, this includes pieces by H. Botsoglou, T. Patraskidis, I. Psychopedis, and O. Zouni.

Navigating

Located within the Modern Greek Art Museum, the Rhodes Municipal Art Gallery occupies the ground floor. This building also houses three additional halls: «Nestoridion,» its recent extension, and the Contemporary Art Center. Another venue, situated at the former Old Refectory on Sokratous Street, serves as an exhibition space. This annex showcases a significant collection of Rhodes and Dodecanese engravings and maps, generously donated by Zoya York.

How to get

To reach the City Art Gallery, take a leisurely stroll to the Old Town and enter through the Gate of Freedom of the Rhodes Fortress.

Tips

  • For those who prefer classical art over modern abstracts, this gallery is a must-visit. It features a rich collection celebrating Greek beauty, the natural charm of Rhodes, and the unique character of the area.
  • A single gallery pass is not available for purchase. However, visitors can enjoy access to three exhibition halls with one ticket to the Museum of Modern Art, priced at €6.
  • Guests under the age of 18 are welcomed to enter the museum without any charge.
  • The museum’s indoor climate tends to be on the cooler side. It’s advisable to bring along a jacket or a sweater for warmth. Comfortable footwear, such as sneakers or sandals, is recommended for the best experience.