Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

"Stravros Niarchos Foundation The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)—new home for both the National Library and National Opera, designed by Renzo Piano and financed to the tune of €630 million—is a wonder to look at, walk through, and relax in. The library and opera are state of the art; the 42-acre grounds include a salt-water canal where you can learn to sail or kayak, fantastic playgrounds and fountains to keep kids entertained, and the Great Lawn where free concerts, open-air screenings and festivals are staged year-round. Take advantage of the center's location and drink in the 360-degree views of the city and sea from the Lighthouse, a glass-walled lookout and terrace shaded by a vast solar panel that powers most of the sustainably minded complex. This neighborhood is, after all, called Kallithea, which means "wonderful view."

3 Days in Athens, Greece

"Alternatively, dedicate your final day to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center near the Bay of Faliro, where you can do pilates on the Versailles-inspired Great Lawn of Stavros Niarchos Park, watch a ballet in the 1,400-seat main hall, catch the Greek National Opera, or even hole up in the brand new National Library of Greece—all within a sleek, Renzo Piano–designed modernist building. (Just this month, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center became the first U.S. group to perform there.) Bonus: Visitors can rent bikes to ride around the cultural center’s massive park between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m."

'Live From Lincoln Center' Goes to Athens, and We May Follow

"The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens features a Renzo Piano design near the Bay of Faliro, providing new homes for the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. It offers a variety of events, including Pilates classes and ballet performances in a luxurious, acoustically rich space."

Flight Deal: Chicago, NYC to Greece from $464 Round-Trip

"Athens's glossiest new monument: the $623 million Renzo Piano-designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which houses both the National Opera and the National Library of Greece."