Rentis Building

Rentis Building (Greek: Μέγαρο Ρέντη) is a preserved multi-story mansion in the center of Athens, Greece, housing the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation.

Rentis Building
Μέγαρο Ρέντη (Greek)
Interactive map of Rentis Building
General information
Location	Athens, Greece
Coordinates	37.975901°N 23.738382°E / 37.975901; 23.738382
Completed	1921

History

Located on the corner of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and Merlin Street, it was built in 1928 by the Greek architect Vassilios Tsagris (1882 – 1941) at the request of Konstantinos Rentis (1884 – 1958) who was a prominent diplomat and politician.^[1][2][3] The building represents the eclectic style of the Interwar period although elements of Art Nouveau, the so-called "Wagner School" and other Europe-based styles are also visible.^[4] In 1985, it was classified by the Greek Ministry of Culture as a contemporary monument.^[5]

Through the years the building was transferred to various owners until 2005 when it was acquired by the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation. The following years it was extensively restored and redesigned by architects Dimitris Ayiostratitis, P. Jonos and G. Choipel. Since late 2007 it has housed the foundation's headquarters and exhibits.^[4]