DESTE Project Space — The Slaughterhouse

On the rocky coastal path toward Mandraki, a humble former slaughterhouse has become one of the most talked-about contemporary art venues in the Mediterranean. Since 2009 the DESTE Foundation of collector Dakis Joannou has invited a leading international artist each summer — Jeff Koons among them — to create an exhibition made for this raw seaside building.
The summer shows draw the international art crowd to the island, and entry is free during opening hours. Even between exhibitions, the walk out to it — waves breaking below the path — is worth the stroll.
Photo © DESTE Foundation.
Nearby
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Apollo Wind Spinner — Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons's giant reflective sun, installed permanently above the DESTE Slaughterhouse — it greets every ship entering Hydra's port.
Kanonia — the Harbour Bastions
The old stone bastions guarding the harbour mouth, their cannons still aimed at the sea — a five-minute walk and a favourite sunset lookout.
Melina Mercouri Hall
The municipal art and concert hall on Hydra’s harbour front, by the statue of Miaoulis — exhibitions and concerts through the summer, community events in winter.
Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra (IAMY)
The Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra (IAMY) receives a large number of Greek and foreign visitors daily , which exhibits important 19th-century paintings and numerous objects-relics from the…
Nefeli Villa
A restored 19th-century Hydriot villa built into the rock, a few minutes above the harbour — 160 m² over two floors, with terraces and a garden. Sleeps 8.
Greek Art Clothing Store
Wondergul shop on the port of Hydra. Reasonable prices with excelent staff, wonderfull clothes and jewellery.
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