NEON Foundation to Close in 2027 After 14 Years of Contemporary Art in Greece

Dimitris Daskalopoulos and Elina Kountouri announced on Monday that the NEON cultural organization will cease operations in 2027, concluding with Michael Rakowitz's final exhibition at the Old Acropolis Museum. Founded in 2012 during Greece's economic crisis, NEON aimed to provide solace and make contemporary art accessible to the public. Over 14 years, it organized 44 exhibitions attracting 584,690 visitors, worked with 25 curators (17 Greek), featured 274 artists, awarded 73 new commissions, supported 2,500 artists through grants leading to 259 projects, renovated two cultural venues (the Ω2 space at Athens Conservatoire and the former Public Tobacco Factory), and donated Antony Gormley's "Rule II" (2019) to Delos. NEON activated public spaces—squares, parks, historic buildings, archaeological sites—with free entry, partnering with the Ministry of Culture and archaeological services. Daskalopoulos stated the decision to close while still at its peak leaves a fertile legacy. Kountouri emphasized using art as a tool for social cohesion. The organization's closure reflects Greece's now-vibrant contemporary art scene, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art and new museums.