The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation in the United States, based in New York, was established in autumn 1999. It was inaugurated in October 2000 with a major exhibition of 20th century Greek painting and influenced by classical antiquity, organized in collaboration with the Greek National Gallery.

The purpose of the affiliated Foundation is to promote Greek culture in the United States and to cultivate the cultural bilateral relations. In the present cultural environment of international interaction and globalization, the Foundation deems necessary to draw attention to the importance of the Greek spirit and its significant contribution to contemporary civilization.

The affiliated Foundation’s activities are the promotion of Modern Greek culture through exhibitions and other cultural and educational events in North and South America.

The affiliated Foundation is housed in the Olympic Tower on Fifth Avenue, in the heart of New York. The Onassis Cultural Centre, a 300 seat auditorium, is found on the ground floor.

The Tower’s “Atrium Cafe” contributes to the lively Greek atmosphere by giving visitors at the Cultural Centre the opportunity to complete their “tour” of Greek culture and entertainment in the heart of New York.

The Tower atrium is decorated with 19th century plaster casts of the Parthenon frieze, of remarkable quality and historical value, the originals of which are kept in the British Museum.

Thus, not only the casual visitor but a great many schoolchildren have the chance to become acquainted with and observe one of the finest expressions of Greek cultural heritage. The Tower atrium also hosts artworks of Alexandra Athanassiadou, Stephen Antonakos, Kostas Varotsos, Barbara Kasten, Kalliope Lemou and Aimilia Papaphilippou.

For more information regarding the operation and the programs of the Affiliated Onassis Foundation in the United States as well as the on line Greek culture e-learning program, you may visit www.onassisusa.org.