The B&E Goulandris Foundation is participating for the second consecutive year in the international Slow Art Day initiative, inviting all its visitors to explore selected works from its permanent Collection through the unique experience of slow art on Saturday, April 5. Additionally, on that day, three special mindfulness activities from the specially designed “Mindfulness at the Museum” programme will take place, led by art historian, visual arts educator, and mindfulness instructor Lydia Petropoulou—two sessions for adults and one for parents and children (in Greek).

Slow Art Day is a global event with a simple mission: to help as many people as possible discover the significance and joy of slowly observing a work of art. The initiative officially began in 2010 and has since become an integral part of museum and gallery programmes worldwide, with over 1,500 events held annually in every corner of the globe—even in Antarctica.

People of all ages are encouraged to slow down their approach to observing Art by following a few simple steps, allowing them to experience a powerful and perhaps entirely new perspective. Spending just a few more minutes reflecting in front of an artwork enables us to connect with it on a deeper level, fostering better understanding while also providing an opportunity for engaging and meaningful discussions with friends.

As part of Slow Art Day 2025, on Saturday, April 5, all visitors to the B&E Goulandris Foundation will receive a special guide at the Museum’s Reception Desk. This guide includes information and instructions on how to practice slow looking, allowing them to fully engage with four carefully selected works from the permanent Collection: “Laughing Man” by Camille Claudel on the first floor, “The Traveller” by Igor Mitoraj on the second floor, “Maria Callas no. 4” by Julian Schnabel on the third floor and “Untitled” by Alexis Akrithakis on the fourth floor. Visitors are encouraged to reuse this guide during future museum visits to explore even more works from the Collection in a similar immersive way. The guide is available in both Greek and English.

On the same day, three special mindfulness activities will also take place, guided by art historian, art educator and mindfulness instructor Lydia Petropoulou. The mindfulness workshop "I See, I Hear, I Feel, I Paint", designed for parents and children aged 6-12, will be held from 10.00 to 11.30 in a surprise location within the Museum. Exclusively for adults, two separate sessions from the specially designed programme "Mindfulness at the Museum" will take place in the temporary exhibitions gallery, where the exhibition “Catch Me” by Nicholas Kontaxis is on display, from 12.00 to 13.30 and 16.30 to 18.00.

The “Mindfulness at the Museum” experience helps participants become active, mindful observers, encouraging them to draw meaning from what they see and feel, rather than relying solely on pre-existing knowledge about an artwork or object. At the same time, they benefit from mindfulness techniques such as improved focus and concentration, enhanced memory, stress reduction and emotional balance. By focusing on the present moment, this meditative journey strengthens connections between the observer and the artwork, allowing for a truly holistic experience.

After completing your Slow Art Day experience, we encourage you to discuss and share your thoughts with friends. The B&E Goulandris Foundation also invites you to share your experience on social media using the hashtags #SlowArtDay, #BEGoulandrisFoundation