Onassis Cultural Center

They have intriguing focused small exhibits related to Greek history. Worth stopping by if you’re in midtown.

The Onassis Cultural Center reopened in 2015 after closing for several years of renovation. With their reopening they have at least this season divided their subterranean space between hosting performances (in the fall) and an art and archaeology exhibit in the spring. During the fall when the space was setup as a theater in the round, the season included musical performances and lectures, while the current (spring 2016) exhibit is a first showing outside of Greece of late Greek and Roman era stone sculptures, grave stones and other objects as well as metal work excavated at Dion. As had been the case in their previous incarnation, the installation reflects state of the art museum craft, with objects carefully placed and lighted and use of videos and a soundtrack, although despite giving out a free brochure (and selling a catalog) they failed to actually include a map showing Dion’s location (it is at the base of Mount Olympus in central Macedonia). The exhibit space is «downstairs» (literally), but an elevator is available on request; there are facilities down below as well. There is no charge for events or exhibits held at this location.

I was surprised to find this sweet little nook in the building that houses MSD Capital, among other NYC offices…
The exhibit that was up at the time was «The Origins of El Greco» and I definitely enjoyed it. Plus, I did a little reading and immediately realized that this org only exhibits art shows of the Greek variety. I am ok with every part of that. HOWEVER, there were a few things about this wee part of a giant building that really tugged at my art non-​profit coattails. First, the security guards literally made me not want to look at the works. I felt like they were following me like a hawk during my entire stay. They were far too close (and it’s a tight space) and they literally glared at me as I walked amongst the paintings. Granted, in this particular show you ARE relatively close to El Greco pieces, so I can understand somewhat… Even so, I was almost uncomfortable enough to ditch the art and do something else and that is NOT my style. Second, the lighting. With so much gilded work, you have to be very careful about how things are displayed. I don’t think the exhibitors really paid much attention to this fact. I had to squat and stand on my tippie-​toes at each glass case because the glare of the light on the gold made it impossible to view the pieces. Have you never heard of a diffuser?!
The good news is that they have a specific and very interesting mission. If you really enjoy Greek history, you should undoubtedly stop into this FREE center for some culture.

FIVE STARS for an AMAZING STAFF
I was 20 minutes into a private tour when I started feeling ill. As I headed outside for some cooler air, the head of security, Sebastian –
1) Kept me from knocking over priceless art
2) Stayed with me throughout my ordeal
He made me feel as safe & comfortable as possible in my impaired state. He conveyed geniune sincerity.
Thank you, Sebastian!
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«A total area of 3,600 square feet is designed to host a variety of cultural programs in order to present all aspects of Hellenic Art and Culture… Activities include art exhibitions, theatrical and dance performances, musical events, lectures and poetry readings and film screenings.»
Exhibition Hours:
Monday-​Saturday 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Free Admission!