renzo piano to design forthcoming KYKLOS arts and culture center in piraeus, greece

renzo piano returns to greece with cultural center in piraeus

KYKLOS is a center for art and culture, set to rise in the port city of Piraeus, designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Commissioned by the Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation (DLMF), the project adds to the Italian architect’s growing presence in Greece, including his acclaimed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens and three new public hospitals developed with SNF across the country. Focusing on sustainability, accessibility, and intercultural dialogue, KYKLOS aims to become a place where contemporary creativity and traditional heritage come together. With completion slated for late 2028 and full private funding, KYKLOS brings together diverse perspectives.

renderings by MIR

kyklos to house art from multiple regions across the globe

The name KYKLOS, Greek for ‘circle’, describes the core mission of the project of creating a continuous, inclusive space where ideas, narratives, and communities converge. The center will house permanent collections of art from Africa, Oceania, and other regions across the globe, collections often underrepresented in Western institutions. Alongside these, an evolving calendar of contemporary exhibitions, lectures, screenings, and both physical and digital educational programs will explore the intersections of global cultures and artistic practices.

The architectural vision of Renzo Piano’s team for KYKLOS is one of openness and environmental responsibility. Conceived as an urban oasis, the center will dedicate 62% of its site to green and recreational spaces, intertwining architecture and landscape in a way that enhances the surrounding neighborhood. Prioritizing universal accessibility, energy efficiency, and a strong connection to the local context, the building promises to become a sustainable landmark for the city.

KYKLOS center for art and culture is set to rise in the port city of Piraeus

DLMF’s project is scheduled for completion in 2028

Positioned as a node within a broader international network of cultural institutions, the DLMF’s center aspires to bring local and global audiences into conversation. Whether through a school workshop, a traveling exhibition, or a public lecture, KYKLOS will encourage reflection on how artistic expression can help us navigate the complexities of a connected world. As executive director Christos Carras notes, the project is rooted in the belief that art can act as a bridge—one that not only links continents but also fosters empathy and shared understanding.

Expected to open its doors in the final quarter of 2028, KYKLOS represents a significant new chapter for the cultural identity of Piraeus and the wider Attica region.

the center will house permanent collections of art from Africa, Oceania, and other regions across the globe