Corfu, December 10 – The Governor of the Ionian Islands, Giannis Trepekli, today signed the act for the inclusion of a project valued at €6,396,851.22 for the restoration and reuse of the Angelos Giallinas Gallery in Corfu. This decision, announced by the Ionian Islands Region, marks a crucial step in preserving and enhancing a significant cultural landmark in the heart of Corfu’s old town.
Project Funding and Scope
The project, titled “Restoration and Reuse of the Listed Building of the Angelos Giallinas Gallery in Corfu,” is funded under the “IONIAN ISLANDS 2021-2027 PROGRAM.” The final beneficiary of this substantial public expenditure is the Municipality of Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands. Governor Trepekli emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Today I signed the great project that Corfu has been waiting for, the historic city center and the ‘Giallinas’ Foundation have been waiting for. This is 6,936,000 euros; the project has the necessary funding to be completed quickly and with quality.” He also acknowledged previous efforts, noting that “there was effort from previous years – everyone had the will to make the building, but the conditions were not there.”
The Angelos Giallinas Gallery: A Historical Landmark
The project focuses on the restoration and reuse of the listed building of the Gallery, owned by the Angelos Giallinas Foundation. The gallery is strategically located in the old town of Corfu, at the intersection of Lavrentiou Mavili, Kapodistriou, and Seremeti streets. With a total area of 1,391.07 m², the building is designated as a historical listed monument according to Government Gazette 29/D/1996, underscoring its architectural and cultural significance.
Restoration Works and Functional Layout
The planned works encompass a comprehensive restoration, including demolitions, structural interventions, interior design, landscaping of the surrounding area, and the procurement of equipment to ensure the full functionality of the Gallery. These efforts are based on an approved final study, aiming to transform the space into a vibrant cultural hub while preserving its historical integrity.
Detailed Functional Configuration of the Building:
- Ground Floor: This level will host educational, recreational, and commercial uses. It will feature an entrance and reception area with disabled access, a gift shop, a dedicated space for Corfiot artists, and a restaurant.
- First Floor: Exclusively dedicated to the exhibition of Angelos Giallinas’s works, this floor will showcase 586 watercolors and oil paintings across 16 thematic sections. Two front-facing rooms will be recreated to represent Giallinas’s residence, including a living room and studio, furnished with authentic pieces.
- Second Floor: Designed for multiple uses, this floor will include a lecture hall equipped with translation booths, spaces for temporary exhibitions, and essential sanitary and auxiliary/storage areas.
- Basement: The basement will house the administrative services of the Foundation and specialized storage facilities with appropriate environmental conditions for unexhibited works, ensuring their long-term preservation.
This extensive restoration project is expected to revitalize the Angelos Giallinas Gallery, making it a modern and accessible cultural center that honors the legacy of the artist while providing a dynamic space for the community and visitors alike.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/o-perifereiarchis-ypegrapse-simera-tin-entaksi-praksis-6-396-85122-e-gia-tin-apokatastasi-kai-epanachrisi-tis-pinakothikis-angelou-giallina-stin-kerkyra/
