Inauguration of the Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy

The ESAG Opens a New Chapter in Athens

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis inaugurated, this Friday 22 May, the new Swiss Embassy in Athens. Conceived as a “Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy”, this innovative building brings together for the first time under one roof diplomatic, scientific and cultural representations: the Swiss Embassy, the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG), and the Flux Laboratory, a Swiss cultural foundation.

Through this project, Switzerland affirms a modern and interdisciplinary vision of diplomacy and strengthens its long-standing partnership with Greece, built on trust, openness and cooperation.

A New Space for Research

ESAG will move into its new premises during June, and the new offices will be fully operational and open to researchers from autumn 2026.

This new space for scientific exchange would not have been possible without the generosity of several donors and partners:

• The Evangelos Pistiolis Foundation, whose commitment to historical studies is an invaluable source of support
• The Loterie Romande and the Canton of Vaud, whose structural contribution reflects a lasting dedication to Switzerland’s scientific and cultural influence in Greece
• Victorine Clairmont von Gonzenbach, whose bequest made this project possible