A Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy in Athens
On 22 May 2026, Switzerland inaugurated its new embassy in Athens: the Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy. This innovative building brings diplomacy, scientific research and cultural activities together under one roof.
The earliest diplomatic contact between Switzerland and Greece dates back to the first half of the 19th century, when the two countries faced common challenges in asserting their freedom and independence against a backdrop of profound geopolitical upheaval. During the second half of the 19th century, consular representations were opened in both countries, and in 1917 Switzerland and Greece officially established diplomatic relations when Greece opened a diplomatic representation in Bern. Today the two countries maintain active diplomatic relations, cooperating at both bilateral and multilateral level based on shared values and the desire to tackle common challenges together in a spirit of solidarity.
Bringing together Swiss diplomats, archaeologists and artists under one roof in Greece is an extraordinary strength.
Relations between Switzerland and Greece go far beyond the diplomatic sphere
In 1964, Swiss universities were invited to take part in excavations at the ancient site of Eretria in Euboea. An initial Swiss archaeological mission began work, later becoming the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece (ESAG) in 1975. It is Switzerland's only permanent archaeological mission in another country.
For over 50 years, generations of archaeologists, students and researchers from Swiss universities have worked in Eretria, helping to uncover the remains of an ancient Greek city. Other research projects are also taking place across Greece, notably in Attica, Aegina and Antikythera. This half-century of exploration, discovery and shared passion – of human, scientific and cultural adventure – has shaped our understanding of the Greek world and enriched the dialogue between Greece and Switzerland. Supported by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the Swiss National Science Foundation, Swiss universities (including the University of Lausanne (UNIL), which hosts the ESAG headquarters in Switzerland), the Canton of Vaud and various foundations, these activities help to strengthen relations between Switzerland and Greece.
The Swiss House in Athens marks a new stage in our two countries' diplomatic relations, which date back to the first philhellenic committees established in Switzerland during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.
Culture has always been a strong link between Switzerland and Greece. Greece is regarded as the cradle of European culture, and its power to inspire remains undiminished. Flux Laboratory, a Swiss cultural institution at the cutting edge of the performing arts, has a strong presence in Greece. It regularly brings artistic activities to unusual and unexpected places, challenging the status quo and offering up fresh perspectives, often with a strong social component. The institution also generates surprising interactions and synergies between diplomacy and archaeology.
This shared Swiss space in Greece, with its diplomats, archaeologists and artists, is a remarkable asset. Bringing diplomacy, science and culture together under one roof allows us to look to the future while remaining rooted in history.
All of Switzerland under one roof
Switzerland has a long tradition of being present in international locations that unite culture, innovation, research and dialogue, such as the Swiss Houses at the Olympic Games and World Expos, the Swiss Institute in Rome and, more recently, the Palazzo Trevisan in Venice. In May 2025, federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider signed an agreement establishing the site as an integrated platform for culture, innovation, research and sustainability, under the auspices of the FDFA.
Drawing on this model of cohabitation, the Swiss House in Athens hosts the Swiss Embassy in Greece, the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece and the Flux Laboratory.
Inspired by the ancient interior courtyards where Athenians once met and interacted, its architecture allows it to promote synergies between politics, research and culture.
“Archaeologists, artists and diplomats are all involved in diplomacy”
Scientific and cultural exchanges are also diplomatic activities. They help to build mutual trust over the long term and open up opportunities for dialogue where traditional channels sometimes reach their limits. “The challenge was to create a concept, a narrative for a new kind of Swiss presence in Greece,” says Stefan Estermann, Switzerland's ambassador to the country. “Archaeologists are our ambassadors, artists are our ambassadors and diplomats are our ambassadors. We're all involved in diplomacy.”
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Athens, within sight of the Acropolis, the Swiss House will be an open, accessible and vibrant space, just like the Plaka district that hosts it.
Sylvian Fachard, professor of classical archaeology at UNIL and director of ESAG, firmly believes: “the Swiss House in Athens marks a new stage in our two countries' diplomatic relations, which date back to the first philhellenic committees established in Switzerland during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century. This foundational moment created the basis for a modern, deep and lasting relationship, nurtured by constant political, cultural and scientific exchanges. Today, the Swiss House is the living embodiment of this.”
This vision is shared by co-initiators of the Swiss House Patrick Odier and Cynthia Odier, who are the president and founders of the Fluxum Foundation and Flux Laboratory: “This project is particularly unique because it brings together different types of circles. It aims to be accessible and rooted in everyday life.”
The inauguration took place as part of Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis' visit to Greece on 22 May. Mr Cassis spoke at the ceremony alongside the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Ioannis-Michail Loverdos. Ambassador Stefan Estermann, ESAG director and UNIL professor Sylvian Fachard, Flux Laboratory founder and artistic director Cynthia Odier, and Ambassador Jacques Ducrest, head of the SERI International Relations division, also spoke at the event, which was accompanied by a number of cultural performances.
In an international context marked by numerous global challenges, the creation of the Swiss House of Culture, Research and Diplomacy in Athens is adopting a modern, interdisciplinary approach to diplomacy, and is aligned with the objectives of Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.
Contact
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern