The NSRF undertakes the renovation of Maria Callas’ home

The Operational Program of the NSRF “Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development 2014 – 2020” included the restoration and landscaping project of the listed building, in which the great soprano Maria Callas lived, in order to house the Music Academy that will bear her name.

Specifically, with a decision of the Deputy Minister of Development and Investment Mr. Ioannis Tsakiris and after actions of the General Secretariat of the NSRF, was signed by the Special Secretariat for Program Management of European Regional Development Fund on 18-04-2022, the inclusion of the act “Restoration of Building to house “Maria Callas” Lyric Arts in the Operational Program of the NSRF”  in the Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development 2014 – 2020 program”.

This is a restoration project of the building of exceptional architectural importance – with a total area of ​​1,442 sq.m. – on the  61 28th of October and Skaramaga streets in the heart of Athens, built in 1925 and was the residence of the young years (1937 to 1945) of the great Greek soprano Maria Callas. Upon completion of the project, it will house the Maria Callas Academy of Lyric Art.

The main object of the Project includes the following main works:

• Restoration of the facades of the listed building and the roof, as well as all the preserved parts of its interior.

• Reinforcement, and where necessary, reconstruction of the internal load-bearing structure, which is considered to be in a fragile and dangerous condition, due to damage from the earthquake and an older fire on the first floors.

• Creation of a building, which meets all modern functional and construction specifications.

The building infrastructure that will result from the execution of the works include:

• 16 small classrooms

• 8 large classrooms

• Event Hall – Exhibition Space

• Administration Office and Meeting Room

• Offices of teaching staff, reception and administrative – support work

• Reading rooms

• Auxiliary spaces and facilities for disabled persons

• Cafe – Refreshment room with the necessary spaces on the roof of the building.

The total public expenditure of the project amounts to 6,869,600 euros and the beneficiary of the project is “ANAPLASI ATHENS SA”.

The NSRF is an important financial tool for critical infrastructure projects related to the cultural heritage of our country.