THE INSTITUTE

Vision and purpose

Both a research institution and a cultural institute, DIA plays a unique role in establishing and maintaining Danish research and artistic studies of the cultural heritage that Greece represents – including democracy, education and European identity. With its highly qualified research staff, collaborators and visiting scholars and artists, DIA strives to be a dynamic platform for research, art and cultural exchange between Denmark, Greece and the rest of Europe.

As one of 20 European and international institutes in Athens, DIA aims to strengthen the cultural ties between Denmark and Greece through research, teaching and cultural dissemination within the archaeology, literature, history, language, music, drama, visual arts and architecture of Greece and the Mediterranean countries. We do this through our own research and teaching, and as a hosting institution for Danish research projects in Greece; we arrange concerts, exhibitions and performances with Danish and Greek artists, and we also offer residencies to artists, researchers and students.

In this way, DIA strengthens the connection between research and art and promotes dialogue across disciplines and borders.

Affiliation

The Danish Institute at Athens is an independent institution operating under the Danish Ministry of Education. It is funded by the National Museum of Denmark, the University of Southern Denmark, the University of Aarhus, the University of Copenhagen, and the Danish Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Children and Education.

The Institute is recognised by the Greek Ministry of Culture as an archaeological school, allowing it to apply for permits on behalf of Danish archaeologists wishing to undertake field projects in Greece.

History

The Danish Institute was founded on 2 April 1992 and is located in Plaka on the eastern slope of the Acropolis, in a beautiful neoclassical building dating to the beginning of the 20th century. The building was inaugurated on the anniversary of the Institute’s foundation on 2 April 1993. The building was a gift from the Carlsberg Foundation.

Two years later, the Institute expanded with the acquisition of the neighbouring building at Herefondos 12, also donated by the Carlsberg Foundation. This property was renovated as a guesthouse with two double rooms and a suite. October 2000 saw the inauguration of a new building, connected to the two older properties, and housing an auditorium and offices. The building was a gift from the Velux Foundation. The institute also has a guesthouse in Maggina # 1, which is a 3-minute walk from Neos Kosmos Metro Station. The house is donated by A.P. Møller and Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation for general purpose, and the VELUX FUND and Ny Carlsberg Foundation have supported the renovation and furnishing. The guest house in Maggina contains a large apartment with three residency rooms, as well as a small independent studio apartment, and it has a large roof terrace with access from both apartments.

The Nordic Library was inaugurated in 1995. The Nordic Library is a research library, focusing in particular on archaeology and the study of ancient culture. The library is operated jointly by the Nordic country institutes in Athens – those of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.