Local Local has renovated a century-old antique shop in Athens' Monastiraki district into Melas Martinos, a contemporary art gallery. The transformation retains historical features while creating a fluid sequence of galleries. The second floor features two open exhibition rooms with natural light after removing interior walls. The facade boasts gridded windows providing views of the Acropolis. Traditional terrazzo flooring adds texture, and neutral tones create an adaptable backdrop for exhibitions, allowing the incorporation of the family’s antiques alongside contemporary pieces.
Local Local has successfully transformed a century-old antique shop into Melas Martinos, a contemporary art gallery in Athens, preserving historical elements while enhancing the spatial experience.
The adaptive reuse of the century-old building involves a reorganization of interior spaces, including open exhibition rooms that bathe in natural light, showcasing a contemporary approach to gallery design.
Key design features include gridded windows with views of the Acropolis, a shaded wraparound balcony, and the careful integration of traditional materials, harmonizing modern and historical elements.
Throughout Melas Martinos, the soft grey and white tones create a neutral backdrop for exhibitions, allowing temporary displays of the family’s antique collections to coexist with contemporary art.
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