The Cafavy Archive was restored and renovated in a neoclassical building in Plaka,the historic center of Athens. The architectural study was designed by Flux-office architects. On the occasion of the 160th anniversary of Cavafy’s birth, the opening of the Cavafy ‘s museum is an intricate endeavor blending artistry and historical reverence. The Onassis Foundation’s intention was to provide free and open access to researchers as well as the wider public, and to promote Cavafy’s work one og the most significant poets of Greece and the international character of his poetry. In November 2023, Onassis Foundation created this permanent space for the Cavafy Archive, open to researchers and to the public. The Cavafy Archive consists of manuscripts of poems, hand-compiled printed editions, prose literary works, articles, studies and notes by the poet together with personal objects of the poet and his house.
The concept of lighting design was to illuminate not just the physical space but also the essence of Cafavy’s poetry, offering visitors, researchers, and enthusiasts an immersive and evocative experience.
The entrance is lit with a warm soft light by handmade appliques, guiding visitors into the archive without imposing on the historical integrity of the building. Once inside, in the area of the poet’s personal belongings, which is the first place the visitor enters, the lighting design unfolds to showcase the exhibits and archival materials thoughtfully. A harmonious interplay of ambient and accent lighting illuminates the gallery spaces.
Adjustable spotlights highlight specific displays, guiding attention without overshadowing the overall ambiance. Each artifact and exhibit is treated as a piece of history, deserving the utmost care and consideration. Custom-made miniature lights were carefully adjusted to accentuate these historical treasures while respecting their fragile nature with emphasis on minimizing glare while providing even illumination. These specialized lights are designed with a profound understanding of the materials’ sensitivity, ensuring that the illumination remains gentle and non-intrusive. In summary, the lighting concept is used as a storytelling medium, leading the visitor among the exhibits creating a balanced illumination that ensures an engaging yet comfortable viewing experience for exploring Cafavy’s world.
The lighting for the Reading Room, which is surrounded by portraits of the poet, intergrades a combination of ambient and accent lighting that softly illuminates the space while a custom-made desk lamp, crafted with a neoclassical elegance, stands out in the middle of the room.
The Cafavy Archive’s lighting design is not just about what is seen; it’s about his poetry and his character, lighting that honors Cafavy’s legacy, enlightens the mind, and stirs the soul.
Other design credits:
Construction of Exhibition Units: Sirigos Deluxe Furniture
Construction of Special Lighting: Athanasios Kalkanis
Conservation of Artworks: Athens Art Conservation: Archondia Adamopoulou, Evgenia Stamatopoulou
Hanging of Artworks: Christos Stefanidis Eirini Panagioti
Technical Advisor: Pantelis Stefanis
Projecct Coordination: Marianna Christofi, Vlassis Adraktas Rentis, Eleanna Semitelou
Building Restoration Contractor: K. i. Papadopoulos
