The German Archaeological Institute Athens and the Goethe-Institut Athens cordially invite you to the opening of the exhibition:
Olympia and Greece 1952–1984. Discoveries in the Work of Alfred Mallwitz
on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.,
at the Goethe-Institut Athens, Omirou 14-16, 10672 Athens.
Further information: https://www.goethe.de/ins/gr/de/ver.cfm?event_id=27013951
The artist
Alfred Mallwitz (1919–1986) was an extraordinary personality: architect, researcher, artist—and a formative figure for the German Archaeological Institute in Athens (DAI Athens).
With 30 years of service, he was not only the institute’s longest-serving architecture researcher, but also played a key role in the reconstruction and development of archaeological projects in Greece after World War II.
His name is inextricably linked with Olympia. From his first assignments as a young architect to his role as head of excavation, Mallwitz had a decisive influence on the research and appearance of the ancient site. In addition, he was a sought-after partner for numerous other projects – even beyond the DAI Athens. His work influenced generations of researchers and had a lasting impact on our current image of Olympia.
The exhibition
The exhibition at the Goethe-Institut Athens presents for the first time not only his scientific legacy, but also watercolors, drawings, photographs, and personal documents. These items come from the family estate and were handed over to the DAI Athens Archive to be preserved there as a comprehensive compendium of his life’s work. They offer a very personal insight into Mallwitz’s life and work.
The exhibition is part of the anniversary year marking 150 years of German excavations in Olympia – and at the same time a personal tribute to an extraordinary man who lost his heart to Greece.
An exhibition by the Goethe-Institut Athens in cooperation with the German Archaeological Institute Athens.
Curated by: Detlef Mallwitz and Katja Sporn
With the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Language: German, Greek
Price: Free admission
