The recently-renovated National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) between Syngrou and Kallirois Avenue, at Fix metro station, opened its doors to the public for the first time on May 16. The event was by invitation only for select members of the public and journalists.

Despite being understaffed with just 14 employees, rather than the 70 that would be required to man such a huge institution, and despite being short of funds the museum aims to open its doors to the public by the end of 2015.

Renovations were completed in February 2014, however the museum has not opened during this time. EMST Curator Katerina Koskina took the opportunity of International Day of Museums on May 18 to address the press at the new building. She said that even though the building isn’t ready for a proper opening she decided to give the press a sneak peak into the huge potential that the venue has. She said the museum belongs to the Greek people and they should not have ‘to wonder what has been going on at Fix all this time’.

After 11 years, 12 different administrative councils and five different Ministers of Culture the press were finally allowed to enter the museum, to admire the breathtaking view and see the old Fix brewery in its new form as a modern art museum – the largest of its kind in Europe.

Cuture Minister Nikos Xydakis said: “Our ambition is to endow the Museum with the administration it deserves.”

The museum has a total floor space of 18,000 sq. meters over four floors and also includes a huge balcony with a panoramic view of Attica.